Luanda Petro de Luanda beat on Tuesday Recreativo do Libolo by 87-71 at Luanda's Cidadela pavilion, in the quarter finals of the 36th edition of Angola cup in basketball.

In the first half, Petro de Luanda were already winning the match by 78- 58.

Petro de Luanda's player Roderick Nealy was the best scorer of the game with 18 points.Courtesy of: Angola Press

Libolo, Petro De Luanda Challenge Cup - by Eurobasket News

Luanda The match between male senior basketball teams of Recreativo do Libolo and Petro de Luanda, to be played in the main pavilion of Cidadela on Tuesday at 6pm, is the highlight of the quarter-final of Angola Cup.

This game, opposing the two highest rated teams of national basketball, occurs at a time when the national championship records a break with the end of the first phase.

The team of Kwanza Sul defending champions, have in this encounter one of their big bets after being in second position at the end of the first phase of the national championship.

The duel between Carlos Morais (190-G-85), Cedirc Ison, Paulo Santana, Miguel Kiala against Olimpio Cipriano, Mayzer Alexander, Edson Ndoniema (191-G-91) will be highly visible given the enormity of the two squads

In the last game they have played for the national championship, the winning was for the 'trycolor' side by 79-69.

In other matches, Interclube receive at 28 February Pavilion, Atletico Sport Aviaao (ASA) and 1 de Agosto gace Lusada, while Sporting de Cabinda receive take on CDUAN.Courtesy of Angola Press

The House of Armenia in Glendale, California, USA, celebrated and officially introduced the Armenian Mens National Basketball team to the community and media this week.

The team, comprised of both Armenian-American, Armenian national and international athletes, is led by Head Coach Carl Bardakian, a Los Angeles based and well-experienced basketball coach.

The mens team is said to be looking forward to achieving the same success which the Armenian Womens National Basketball team had in 2011, by winning the silver medal in the European Championship, for which purpose it is currently accepting offers for sponsorships.

Asbarez.com reports that the official introduction of the National Team on Wednesday was witnessed by some prominent athletes of the present and past, including Soviet-Armenian soccer player Sergei Bondarenko (Ararat 73), Armenian-American professional boxer Vanes Norik Martirosyan and others.

On behalf of the community and the Consulate, Armenias Consul General to Los Angeles Grigor Hovhannissian conveyed immense pride and faith in the talents and capabilities of the nations mens basketball team.Courtesy of: armenianow.com

Facing elimination in one of the toughest venues in the Australian NBL, the Breakers levelled their semifinal series against Townsville with a 94-83 win tonight.

It's the second year running the Breakers have crossed the ditch knowing nothing but a win will do to keep alive their season. Last year, they put Perth to the sword on their way to winning a maiden championship, and their defence of that crown now hinges on Saturday night's winner-takes-all game three at Vector Arena.

Like last year, tonight's victory was inspired by a return to the court from a stricken starter. Cedric Jackson (191-G-86, college: Cleveland St.) played the part of Mika Vukona this time around, with the American point guard rising from a wheelchair to take the court while showing few signs of the ankle injury he suffered at training during the week.

Jackson played 27 minutes and finished with 14 points and five assists, while the Breakers got huge contributions from their bench - with CJ Bruton (188-G-75, college: Indian Hills CC)'s 18 points leading the team - to send the series back to Auckland.

Where their game one loss was marked by a lack of intensity, the Breakers showed plenty of that from beginning to end tonight. They crashed the boards to finish with a 42-32 advantage, while shooting 47 per cent from the field compared to Townsville's 40.

The early signs were encouraging for the Breakers. Not only did Jackson take his place in the starting lineup, but he ignited the offence with the first five points of the game.

Mika Vukona was rebounding at both ends as the Breakers resumed their superiority on the boards, and the Crocs shooting was well down from the 57 per cent they hit in game one.

That all added up to an early Breakers lead, which swelled with a 14-1 run as the visitors' second unit came off the bench to open up a double digit lead at the first break.

The Breakers began the second period by missing a succession of three-pointers to fall to 3-14 from deep, with Tom Abercrombie (0-4) and CJ CJ Bruton (1-5) particularly guilty.

That, combined with some some deadly shooting from Townsville's Michael Cedar (190-G-86) brothers, saw the Crocs pull within four.

But the Breakers seemed to finally get the message and got closer to the hoop, with some inspired play in the paint from Alex Pledger seeing the lead quickly grow to a game-high 13. Pledger played only 12 minutes in game one but his team-high 12 points saw the Breakers take a 52-38 lead into the halftime break, with more than half of those points coming from the bench.

A key reason for the Breakers' big lead was the shackling of game one tormenter Pete Crawford. He scored 26 points in Auckland but, thanks to some tight defence from Vukona, could only register on the scoreboard three minutes into the third quarter.

Another factor was the play of Dillon Boucher, with the Kiwi veteran scoring four points, dishing out four assists and leading his side with six rebounds in the opening half. His departure from the court midway through the third, after sustaining a blow to his mouth, was the catalyst for a Crocs comeback as Townsville closed to within seven.

But successive three pointers from CJ CJ Bruton to close the quarter kept Townsville at arm's length and ensured the Breakers took an 11-point lead into the final break.

And, apart from a brief scare when the deficit dropped to six, the Breakers did enough to send the series to a deciding third game.

Emus drop first game of Albert Schweitzer tournament - by Eurobasket News

The Australian U19 Mens Team (Emus) have been defeated by Germany in Mannheim 68 67 in the first of their preparation games before the start of the Albert Schweitzer Tournament. The game being played at the MWS Halle am Herzogenreid.Joel Spear was the leading scorer for the Emus with 16 points followed by Michael Rowley with 12 points , Greg Page and Dane Pineau both with 9 points.

Germany got off to a fast start with an 8 0 run. The Emus then countering with a 6 0 run. However, the fast paced attack of the Germans saw them lead by 10 point at the first break.

The home team took control of the game during the second quarter and had a commanding lead at the half time break 43 28.

Better execution in their half court offence combined with increased ball pressure had the Emus outscoring the Germans in the third quarter.

The Emus settled into the 4th quarter with their traits of full court ball pressure and relentless persistence, suffocating the German offence. The Emus closing the gap with several quick transition baskets. An Emmett Naar 3 with 3 seconds left on the game clock got the Emus to within 1 point. However, time was on the Germans side and they were able to secure a 1 point win despite the Aussies scoring 20 7 in the final quarter.

Head Coach Damian Cotter commented that 'this was a typical first game of a tour. We were a little sluggish in the first half but it was very pleasing how the team adjusted and put themselves back in the contest. International game tempo was very new to most of these players. We now look forward to the next game.'

Perry Lakes will be trying to continue its surprisingly strong start to the men's State Basketball League season when it hosts Wanneroo Wolves in Saturday's Grand Final rematch.

The Hawks lost many of the key players that fell heartbreakingly short of last season's championship, most notably star import Anthony Lee, but have still impressed in the first three rounds to sit fourth with a 3-1 record.

But the Wolves have been even better, beating some top teams while winning their first four games of the season before Willetton surprisingly ended their unbeaten run last Saturday.

Wanneroo will be desperate for the win as it needs to keep pace with unbeaten league leaders Lakeside, which takes on Stirling Senators on Thursday night.

Last week's seven point triumph at Geraldton was the only time the Lightning have won by less than 10 this season, but they could face a test against a Senators side which convincingly won twice last week.

Goldfields Giants will be looking to get a stuttering campaign back on track when they make the long trip to face their heated rivals Geraldton.

The Giants have lost their past three games but the Buccaneers, who also missed the playoffs last season, have made a decent 2-2 start despite the absence of an import for the first part of the campaign.

South West Slammers will be desperate to move on from last week's humiliating 37 point loss to Stirling with a better showing in a tough doubleheader against Mandurah and Perth.

The Magic host their southern rivals on Thursday, looking for a win which could see them climb back into the top eight, before Perth makes the trip to Bunbury on Saturday looking to continue its strong start.

Willetton caused one of the upsets of the season by beating Wanneroo and will be hoping to continue that momentum with wins against local rivals Cockburn and winless bottom side Rockingham.

Like the Flames, East Perth will be trying to break its duck but will start underdogs against the Kalamunda Eastern Suns, who notched an impressive round three win at Goldfields.

All games will be played on Thursday or Saturday due to the Good Friday holiday.

Article by Jacob Kagi Courtesy of: SBL

SBL: Buccs wary of sleeping Giants - by Eurobasket News

SUN City Plumbing Geraldton Buccaneers coach Ray Evans is wary of the sleeping Giants this weekend as the Goldfields squad travel to Activewest Stadium.

The Goldfields Giants have lost their last three games this season after winning their season opener.

Despite the poor run of form from their country counterparts, Evans expects the weekends game to be fiercely contested.

They are a much better team than their ladder position suggests, he said.

In most of the games that they have lost, they have had the lead late in the game but just cannot hold on which is a confidence thing and thats how we played last year.

Andrew Horstman will again suit up in the blue and gold this week after making his return to the SBL last week.

Evans said Horstman is a week by week proposition and his fitness and health will determine what games he plays.

Ty Harrellson leads the Giants with an average of 19.8 points a game while also leading the team in assists with five and a half a game.

Goldfields Michael Haney (198-F-82, college: E.Kentucky) has also been impressive this year, helping his team with 16 points and 13 and a half assists per game.

Evans said his sides defensive pressure will decide the outcome of the game.

It is a massive rivalry but if we keep up the defensive intensity we have shown over the last few games we will win, he said.

They have gotten wins in Geraldton over the last few seasons but it is our responsibility to keep them down this year.

Meanwhile, in other Buccs news, centre Ben Pepper said he has not contemplated retirement despite the possibility of needing knee surgery.

Pepper will visit a specialist on April 12, in the hope of finding the cause of his recurring knee injury.

I think I am probably stuck on the sidelines for about six weeks, he said.

I want to stay involved with the team and hopefully if I do need surgery, the knee will be better than ever when I come back so then I can help out the side later in the year.

Mannheim-Germany- Since 1958 the Albert Schweitzer tournement at Mannheim is the place to present the basketball talents of 18 years old and it is called the unofficial U18 World Championship. This year the teams of Australia (defending AST-Champion), Argentinia, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy,New Zeeland,Russia, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and USA come together in Mannheim from April 7th - April 14th 2012.The list of famous players which started in Mannheim and find the way in the NBA or made a world wide career is long: Tony Parker, Boris Diaw, Ronny Turiaf, Nicolas Batum from France or Magic Johnson, Vince Carter and Tim Duncun from the USA, Micky Berkovitz from Israel, Sergio Rodriguez, Carlos Suarez and Pau Gasol from Spain.

'After the departure of the US-Army from Mannheim after 50 years of cooperation and organisation we had to find new cooperation partners', said organisator Uwe Albersmeyer and we find good partners in the village of Mannheim and Viernheim.The statistic of the last 25 tournaments show the US-team 10 times as a winner, but the domination ended 1998 when European teams and Australia were registered in the list of champions.In the press conference in Mannheim US-Coach Butch Estes declared , that he has a group of athletic High-Shool players and he must find in the tournement the right way to successfull team play. The team manager find a special task for the players. They had to keep a diary of their visit in Europe as balance for the missed time at the college.Damian Cotter, Coach of the defending champion Australia, declared that his team must just find the team play of the team of 2010 but they just have to practice a good agressive defense.Kai Blmel, Coach of the host Germany , second at 2010 , described his team as not so athletic like 2010, but we play quicker and well on a fast break. 'I attend a fantastic tournement on a high level'.

Germany won the two preparation games aganist Australia 68:67 and against the USA 93:66. Blmel hopes to a suprise like 2010. Experts expect Spain as one of the favorite. For the players the individual Awards of the AST are desired.

The organization announced that the final games for April 14th are nearly complete but the final games can be followed over the DDB- website link: Basketball-Bund.de

Courtesy of Hanns-Peter Lutzig

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AZERBAIJAN

Araz and Gala enter Final - by Eurobasket News

Araz and Gala will play in the Azeri league Finals. Both teams swept their semifinal series to reach the title series. Araz will try to repeat the last seasons result when they defeated Gala in the Final. Araz celebrated a 100:62 road win over Chag Oiretim. The regular season champions dominated from start to finish to earn a comfortable win advancing into the Final. Gala also had little problems reaching the title series. They faced NTL-Tudor on the road. The vice-champions claimed an 83:68 win to seal the next round birth.

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BANGLADESH

Navy clinch title - by Eurobasket News

Bangladesh Navy emerged as the champions of the Citycell Independence Day Basketball Tournament 2012 beating Bangladesh Army 60-57 in a very competitive final at the Dhanmondi Indoor Basketball Gymnasium on Tuesday.

Bangladesh Army led the first half 28-23, but Navy came back to the game brilliantly after the resumption to win the match.

Navys Mithun Bishwas was the highest scorer with 27 points while his teammate Mizan added 13. Mithun Sarkar and Tofazzal caged 16 and 13 points respectively for the Army.

State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Capt (Retd) AB Tajul Islam was the chief guest at the closing ceremony and the minister distributed the prizes among the winners.

Suman Bhattacharjee, human resources director of Citycell, attended the programme as a special guest while Taslim Ahmed, head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations, and officials of Bangladesh Basketball Federation were also present on the occasion.Courtesy of: http://www.daily-sun.com

Army face Rangers, Navy play BGB in semis - by Eurobasket News

Bangladesh Army will lock horns with Rangers in the first semifinal of the Citycell Independence Day Basketball at the Dhanmondi Wooden Floor Gymnasium today.

Bangladesh Navy and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will lock horns in the second semifinal at the same venue.

In the last day of the of group matches on Sunday, Bangladesh Navy beat BKSP on 56-40 points. Mithun of Navy was the highest scorer with 28 points. Rangers edged past Bangladesh Police by 63-62 points with Shoaib, leading the scorers list with 21 points.Courtesy of: http://www.daily-sun.com

Former international point guard Siarhei Charykau (184-PG-82) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for second-ranked SBK Osipovichi, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 23.The 29-year old player was the main contributor (30 points, five rebounds and six assists) to his team's victory, helping them to beat BGUIR-RTI (9-15) 83-71. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Thanks to this victory SBK Osipovichi moved-up to the 2nd position in the Belarusian Premier League. SBK Osipovichi is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 9-15 record. Charykau just recently signed at SBK Osipovichi, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Former Yakima Valley CC star has very solid stats this year. Charykau is in league's top in assists (2nd best: 4.7apg) and averages impressive 2.4spg and 55.2% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 27-year old Evgeni Ivanov (202-G/F-84) of league's second-best Grodno-93. Ivanov had a very good evening with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Of course he lead Grodno-93 to another comfortable win outscoring slightly lower-ranked Minsk-2006 II (#4, 9-15) 108-73. It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the title. Grodno-93 consolidated its place in top 2 of the standings. His team lost just three games this season, while they won 21 matches. Ivanov is well-known at Grodno-93 and is a proven leader in his second season with the team.

Third on the list of top players last round was Lithuanian forward Justinas Sinica (203-F-85) of league's top team Minsk-2006. Sinica scored 17 points and grabbed six rebounds. He was a key player of Minsk-2006, leading his team to a 118-72 easy win against #3 ranked Rubon. Many experts and fans count Minsk-2006 as a contender for championship title. Another victory and another confirmation that they may be right. Just look at their record: 23 victories and only one lost games. They are currently at the very top of the standings. Sinica has a very solid season. In 10 games in Belarus he scored 9.2ppg.

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

American point guard Dominic Waters (185-PG-86) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Liege, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 27.The 25-year old player was the main contributor (21 points, three rebounds and nine assists) to his team's victory, helping them to beat Verviers-Pep. (#9, 4-20) 78-69. Liege maintains the 7th position in Belgian D1. Liege is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 8-15 record. Waters turned to be Liege's top player in his first season with the team. Former Portland State University star has very solid stats this year. Waters is league's best passer with 4.1apg. Waters is in league's top in and averages impressive 55.5% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 27-year old American Graham Brown (205-C-84) of Gent. Brown had a very good evening with a double-double of 14 points and 13 rebounds. It was enough for Gent to edge the higher-ranked Aalstar (#4, 14-10) 65-64. Gent's 8th position in the standings has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 8-17 record. Brown is a newcomer at Gent, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was international forward Maxime De Zeeuw (205-F-87) of Verviers-Pep. (#9). De Zeeuw showcased his all-around game by recording 16 points, nine rebounds and four assists in the last round. Despite De Zeeuw's great performance Verviers-Pep. lost 69-78 to slightly higher-ranked Liege (#7, 8-15). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. Verviers-Pep. can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have extremely bad season and 4-20 record places them at the very bottom of the standings. Too bad for De Zeeuw he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. De Zeeuw has a very solid season. In 21 games in Belgium he scored 11.7ppg. He also has 5.8rpg and FGP: 51.1%.

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

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BOSNIA

Igokea and Siroki WWin extend winning streaks - by Eurobasket News

Round Four of the Bosnian top division for men (League Six) is completed last night. Mladost was better than Bosna ASA BHT 89-78 improving its score in the league to 2-2. At the same time, Bosna dropped to 1-3. Ranko Velimirovic (205-C/F-72, agency: Beo Basket) top-scored for the hosts with 21 points. Sindis Demic (192-SF-83) had the same number, but in loss. On Tuesday, Igokea handed 95-73 defeat to Capljina keeping the perfect 4-0 record. Milos Komatina (205-FC-84) shined for the hosts with 22 points, while Marko Jagodic Kuridza (204-C-87) had double-double of 25 points and 13 rebounds for the guests. His Capljina stays winless in League Six with 0-4. Siroki WWin cruised past Varda in Visegrad 58-78. Zeljko Sakic (201-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) registered 18 points and 10 rebounds for the reigning champion, who has perfect 4-0 score. Igor Vukovic (202-F/C-82) scored 11 points for Varda (1-3).Round Five is scheduled for the next weekend.

KK Gradina is not Gradina Kotex from Tesanj, it is a team from Srebrenik. Key players: Alen Horozic and Edo Nurkanovic both played internationally and in D1 for KK Sloboda and KK Student.

KK Spars Sarajevo has most of the top prospects in Bosnia including Buza and Vrabac, also Bulic and just signed Maksimovic. They also signed Mujo Tuljkovic for play offs along with Edin Bavcic. They might add Damir Krupalija and Mirza Hrnjcic as well. I will keep you posted.

KK Kakanj has leagues leading scorer Dinko Peljto. They also have Narcis Begovac, an experienced player who played on all levels in Bosnia. He was a member of best Zenica Celik team along with Kenan Bajramovic and Ivan Opacak etc.

Play off Sarajevo doesn't really have any big names. There is Ermin Tarcin who played college ball in USA. Along with him there is ex-Bosna's top prospect Aldin Majstoric... and also Nikola Sormaz who was a member of KK Bosna in younger teams.

The Internacional/Pref. de Santos team has agreed with point guard Jefferson Campos (190-G-91) to play the Paulista State Championship. Jefferson was playing the NBB by the Vila Velha team, but since they did not qualify for the playoffs of the NBB the player decided to move fast, in Vila Velha he average 7ppg, 2 apg and 2rpg

The young Suzano team brought in big man Michel Nascimento (208-C-78).The team is coach by Cadum Guimaraes one of the best brazilian players of all teamMichel played last NBB for Minas but after the season went back to play in France. As he got free on the market, Suzano decided to sign him and use him as their leader on court.Michel brings in a lot experience as he played in big teams and overseas.The Suzano team made a partnership in the Assis Basket to use their NBB Franchise for the next NBB in the 2012-2013 season.

The Gremio Mogi das Cruzes/Unip managers decided to add a new point guard to the team after the injury of Gustavo Lima, that put the team with only Vinicius Gobor and Maurice Riddick able to play in that one position. As neither of the two is a true point guard the managers found in Alexandre Pinheiro (185-G-85) what they were looking forward.

Sobin's 28 points give him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News

22-year old swingman Josip Sobin (203-G/F-89) put on an amazing game in the last round for KK Split and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 5 (Second Stage). He had the game-high 28 points adding five rebounds for KK Split in his team's victory, helping them to beat Zabok (1-4) 101-91. KK Split has almost perfect 4-1 record. Sobin has many years of experience at KK Split, through which he has constantly improved. Sobin has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in points (6th best: 14.7ppg), rebounds (4th best: 6.8rpg) and averages solid 70.0% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Mato Peraica (203-C-81) of Darda. He is Bosnia and Herzegovina center in his first season at Darda (PLAY-OUT). In the last game Peraica recorded impressive double-double of 19 points and 13 rebounds. Bad luck as Darda lost that game 81-86 to Alkar Sinj (9-5). Peraica belongs to the best scorers in the league with 14.4ppg (#7). He also registered 6.6 boards per game.

Third place about best performers goes to Damir Markota (210-C/F-85, agency: World Sport Agency) of KK Zagreb CO. Markota scored 24 points and grabbed twelve rebounds (!!!). Despite Markota's great performance KK Zagreb CO lost 87-95 in overtime to Cedevita. But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates especially in such crucial game. The last thing KK Zagreb CO needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose distance to the top teams in Championship. Their record is 3 victories and 2 lost games. Markota has a very solid season. In 5 games in Croatia he scored 19.2ppg.

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Ciego de Avila outplayed Tigres de Camaguey 77-53 in crucial Game Seven of the Superior league Finals. It is the sixth title for Ciego de Avila as they did it also in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. Yudniel Perez (189-G-84) was the leading scorer in victory with 22 points. William Granda (189-SF-85) and Yasser Rodriguez (187-PG-88) helped their team with 12 and 9 points respectively. In the loosing squad, Yorman Polas (192-G/F-85) delivered 22 pts. Ciego de Avila took control on their rivals from the very beginning and never looked back. The hosts made 22-13 lead in the first quarter and jumped to 42-21 until the halftime. They had no troubles to keep the comfortable lead for rest of the game. Despite this defeat, Yordanis Jaca (196-F/C-83) of Camaguey was named MVP of the Finals. Joan Luis Haiti (200-C-82) was named Superior league Player of the Year. Ciego de Avila was the regular season champion with 21-7 record.

Hampton's 31-point game gives him (Second Stage) Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News

27-year old shooting guard Maurice Hampton (188-SG-84, agency: Two Points) put on an amazing game in the last round for BK Pardubice and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 9 (Second Stage).He had the game-high 31 points adding seven rebounds and five assists for BK Pardubice in his team's victory, helping them to outclass USK Praha (#6, 16-18) with 36-point margin 92-56. BK Pardubice maintains the 4th position in Czech Republic league. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier in Second Stage. BK Pardubice will need more victories to improve their 24-11 record. In the team's last game Hampton had a remarkable 70.0% from 2-point range and got five three-pointers out of 8 attempts. He has many years of experience at BK Pardubice, through which he has constantly improved. Maurice Hampton averages this season 11.7ppg.

Second best performed player last round was Zbynek Pospisil (205-F/C-81). He is former international forward in his 3rd season at BK Pardubice. In the last game Pospisil recorded impressive 20 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists. Of course together with Hampton he helped BK Pardubice with another comfortable win outscoring slightly lower-ranked USK Praha (#6, 16-18) 92-56. BK Pardubice's 4th position in the standings has not changed. His team's 24-11 record is not bad at all. Pospisil is one of the most experienced players at BK Pardubice and similarly like Maurice Hampton has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Petr Benda (203-F/C-82, agency: Court Side) of league's leader CEZ Nymburk. Benda scored 17 points and grabbed fifteen rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of CEZ Nymburk, leading his team to a 75-66 win against the lower-ranked BC Kolin (#5, 22-23). Many experts and fans count CEZ Nymburk as a contender for championship title. Another victory and another confirmation that they may be right. Just look at their record: 32 victories and only two lost games. They are currently at the very top of the standings. Benda has a very solid season. In 31 games in Czech Republic he scored 10.4ppg. He also has 5.2rpg and FGP: 61.8%.

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

CEZ Nymburk rising star Pavel Pumprla (200-F-86) was named yesterday to the 2011-12 All-Eurocup Second Team. The 25-year old forward averaged 12.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.8 steals while shooting 42.1% from three and amassing an index rating of 13.9, helping guide the perennial Czech Champions to their second consecutive trip to the Eurocup Quarterfinals. Pumprla, 6-7, led CEZ Nymburk in index, rebounds and steals as his year-long solid performance over 13 contests.He was third in steals, seventh in total rebounds and eight in index in the entire competition.

BK Inter Bratislava, which will play in the four-team play-out phase, will not finish out the season with its top two remaining players, guard Emanuel Ubilla (188-G-86, college: Fair Dickinson) and guard/forward Mitar Trivunovic (196-G-77). Saturday was the last game for both, a 68-85 home loss to BK B&W Opava to close out the A2 stage of play. Emmanuel Emanuel Ubilla joined Inter in December and appeared in 22 games, averaging 14.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 2.5 steals while shooting 44.0% from the field. The former Novy Jicin point guard was a welcome addition to the team after a string of comings and goings amongst players and coaches plagued the club over the first few months of the season. Mitar Trivunovic, a 34-year old from Serbia, appeared in 24 contests, averaging 11.6 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists. With the top two scorers on the club gone for the remainder of the season it appeares very likely that Inter will continue its decent towards relegation. In tonight's first game of the play-out stage, the club fell once again to BK B&W Opava, this time in Opava, by a score of 62-73.

The series between Naestved and Svendborg goes to crucial Game Five. Naestved celebrated tiny 76-74 home victory tonight tying the score to 2-2 in the Semifinals. The series is best-of-five, so name of the second Ligaen finalist will be known on Monday. Svendborg will be the host. The Rabbits were second ranked team in Ligaen regular season, while Naestved was third. Earlier this week, Bakken Bears already booked a spot for the Finals. The hosts trailed by 8 points at the halftime before their 19-8 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. 24 personal fouls committed by Svendborg helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of American point guard Corin Henry (180-88, college: Tarleton St.) who helped to win the game recording 21 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists (made all of his seven free throws) and the other American import forward Jordan Glynn (200-89, college: SF Austin, agency: I.D.S. Law) who added 14 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. Four Naestved players scored in double figures. At the losing side American forward Durell Vinson (201-85, college: Wagner) responded with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 14 rebounds and the former international guard Chanan Colman (191-84, college: Chipola) scored 13 points and 7 assists. Naestved eliminated Horsholm in the Quarterfinals, while Svendborg was too strong for Vaelrose.

After 17 seasons, the Dakota Wizards era in Bismarck is apparently coming to an end.

The Golden State Warriors, who bought the Wizards last June, have a proposal from the city of Santa Cruz, Calif., to move the D-League club there next season.

The proposal, which includes the city appropriating $2.5 million for a new facility, will be presented before the Santa Cruz city council on April 10. The council is expected to vote on the proposal in early May. The relocation also would have to be approved by the D-League.

If everything goes through, the team will go to Santa Cruz, Wizards general manager Kirk Lacob said.

Lacob said the primary reason for the move is to have the D-League team closer to the Warriors. Santa Cruz is about a 1-hour drive from Golden States headquarters.

Its a situation where players could come back and forth quite easily, and the same way with coaches, Warriors general manager Larry Riley said. ... They can at least be right in tune with whats going on on a day-to-day basis with the Warriors. It should make the developmental process go quite a bit better.

The Wizards still have a year left on their lease at the Bismarck Civic Center, but the buyout clause is only $40,000.

The Wizards began operations in 1995 as members of the now-defunct International Basketball Association. After winning the IBA title in 2001, the Wizards jumped ship to the Continental Basketball Association, the long-standing feeder league to the NBA.

The Wizards continued their success in the CBA, winning championships in 2002 and 2004.

With the NBA throwing its resources behind the D-League, the Wizards again switched circuits, leaving the CBA for the 2006-07 season. The Wizards won their fourth championship that year and have been members of the D-League ever since.

The Warriors purchased the Wizards from Steve McCormick and Dawn Kopseng last year. At the time of the sale, the Warriors said they would explore the possibility of moving the team after this season.

When we went there we were up front in saying that all options were on the table, Riley said. As we pursued things and looked at other models where NBA teams owned D-League teams, almost all of them had somewhat of a geographic (closeness) that were attempting to duplicate.

The proposal calls for a 3,200-seat stadium that would be custom-built for the Warriors, which Lacob described as a semi-permanent dome fabric structure.

Santa Cruz city manager Martin Bernal expressed optimism about having a D-League team.

Everybody has been real excited about just the idea of being able to expand the Santa Cruz brand and another way to extend the tourism season and add to our activities, Bernal told the Santa Cruz Sentinel. Thats really important to the community.

Charlie Jeske, manager of the Civic Center, said the Wizards moving would likely have a big initial impact.

Anytime you lose prime tenant for 17 years, its going to hurt right off the bat, Jeske said. If we can get additional dates whether its another team coming in or a few more concerts or conventions maybe at the end of day it wont hurt as bad as everybody thinks.

If the proposal is not approved by Santa Cruz, there is a chance the Wizards could stay in Bismarck, although the Warriors would continue to examine other options.

Wed have to reassess everything, but wed likely be back, Lacob said. I know that is potentially awkward, to say the least.

Weve taken a calculated risk on this, he added. We understand that it could be tough if this were to somehow fall apart, but were confident that it wont.

The Canton Charge along with the NBA Development League are committed to becoming more environmentally-friendly organizations. From April 4 11, the NBA D-League and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) will partner for NBA D-League Green Week 2012 in an effort to generate awareness and funds for protecting the environment.

The Charge will host two games over the course of Green Week at the Canton Memorial Civic Center: their April 4th matchup with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants and the regular season finale against the Erie BayHawks on April 7th. Players will wear special on-court apparel, including 100-percent organic cotton adidas shooting shirts featuring the NBA D-League Green logo. During the game, there will be PA announcements with facts on sustainability and green promotional contests throughout.

During each of the two Green Week home games, the Charge will also be holding a drive for Soles4Souls, a global shoe charity that provides recycled shoes for people in need. There will be a bin located at the Civic Centers main entrance where fans can drop off new or gently used shoes throughout both home games.

On Thursday, April 5th, Canton Charge players and coaches, along with the Massillon Boys and Girls Club, will pay a visit to Sippo Lake Park in Canton for a Green Week community service project. The group will be cleaning up trash and debris from the parks trails and fishing areas as well as planting flowers to brighten up the common areas.

Visit www.nba.com/green for more information on the NBA D-League initiative, everyday greening tips for fans and more.

source: http://www.nba.com/dleague/canton/

Warriors recall Chris Wright from D-League - by Eurobasket News

The Golden State Warriors have recalled forward Chris Wright (6'8''-F-88, college: Dayton) from the Dakota Wizards of the NBA Development League.

Wright, 23, was assigned to the Wizards on March 24 and has appeared in six games for the Warriors D-League affiliate since that time, averaging 17.0 points and 7.0 rebounds in 27.8 minutes per contest, while shooting 58.2% (46-79 FG) from the field. The 68 forward helped lead the Wizards to a 5-1 record during his stint with the team, including victories in their last five contests to secure a spot in the 2012 D-League Playoffs.

This was the second assignment of the season for Wright, as he previously was assigned to the Wizards on January 26 and averaged 20.7 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 2.33 blocks in 31.0 minutes over three games before being recalled on February 6. Overall, he has appeared in nine games with the Wizards this season, averaging 18.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.33 blocks in 29.0 minutes of action.

Wright will rejoin the Warriors in Minnesota in time for tonights game against the Timberwolves. He has appeared in 17 games with Golden State this season, averaging 2.1 points and 1.1 rebounds in 4.7 minutes.

Egyptian League started again yesterday after a long suspension period because the of police refusal to secure the games in the main cities Cairo and Alexandria the only city agreed to support the League was Tanta which lies between these two main cities 100 km form each, first game was between Smouha and Al Ettahad which was finished by 10 points for Al Ettahad , on the other hand Gezira player Romany was injured yesterday during practice in his knee which will keep him away for the rest of the season now Gezira has 3 players injured Romany, Genedy and Gendy.

Swingman Rannar Raap (189-G/F-92) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Parnu, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 27.The 19-year old player was the main contributor (29 points, seven rebounds and seven assists) to his team's victory, helping them to edge out Valga (#8, 3-25) in overtime 85-83. Parnu maintains the 7th position in Estonian KML. Too late to salvage the team, which is currently ranked such low. They already lost 24 games and recorded just four victories. Raap turned to be Parnu's top player in his first season with the team. Rannar Raap has solid league stats. He is in league's top in points (6th best: 16.2ppg), assists (7th best: 3.3apg) and averages impressive 52.5% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 23-year old American Matt Shaw (203-F-88) of Tln Kalev. Shaw had a very good evening with a double-double of 20 points and 12 rebounds. Of course he lead Tln Kalev to another comfortable win outscoring slightly higher-ranked Rapla (#4, 14-14) 99-72. Tln Kalev's 6th position in the standings has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 12-16 record. Shaw is a newcomer at Tln Kalev, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was Latvian center Lauris Blaus (204-C-90, agency: FCM) of Valga/CKE (#8). Blaus scored 17 points and grabbed ten rebounds. Despite Blaus' great performance Valga lost 83-85in overtime to slightly higher-ranked Parnu (#7, 4-24). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. Valga can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have extremely bad season and 3-25 record places them at the very bottom of the standings. Too bad for Blaus he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Blaus has a very solid season. In 11 games in Estonia he scored 15.0ppg. He also has 8.2rpg and 1.6bpg.

The Player of the week is chosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

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EUROCUP

2011-12 All-Eurocup first and second teams announced - by Eurobasket News

FIRST TEAMThe road to the 2012 Eurocup Finals featured 152 games played until now and before a new champion of the competition is crowned, Euroleague Basketball has chosen 10 deserving stars to make up the All-Eurocup first and second teams for the 2011-12 season. Headlining the first team is Valencia Basket power forward Niklas Caner-Medley (203-F-83, agency: Beo Basket, college: Maryland), who was an All-Eurocup second team selection last season, too. Caner-Medley was chosen to the All-Eurocup second team when he played for Asefa Estudiantes last season. Joining him as All-Eurocup first team choices are guards Patrick Beverley (185-PG-88, college: Arkansas) of Spartak St. Petersburg and Zoran Planinic (199-G-82) of BC Khimki and two Lietuvos Rytas players, small forward Renaldas Seibutis (195-G-85) and center Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92). The list is fully composed of players that have guided their teams to the Eurocup Finals, which take place on April 14 and 15 in Khimki, Russia. The All-Eurocup second team, which was previously unveiled, features Yotam Halperin (196-G-84) of Spartak, Ramel Curry (192-G-80, college: CSU Bakersfield) of BC Donetsk, Pavel Pumprla (200-F-86) of CEZ Nymburk, Jeremiah Massey (202-F-82, college: Kansas St.) of Lokomotiv Kuban and Bojan Dubljevic (205-C-91, agency: Beo Basket) of KK Buducnost Voli. Before that, Jure Zdovc was chosen as the Eurocup Coach of the Year and Valanciunas became the 2011-12 Eurocup Rising Star. Two more awards will be announced. On Friday, April 6, one of the players chosen to the All-Eurocup first team will become the 2011-12 Eurocup MVP. Last but not least, the Eurocup Finals MVP award will go the best player at that event as voted by accredited journalists in attendance during the title game.Beverley (12.9 ppg., 81% FT, 4.1 rpg., 3.8 apg., 2 spg., 16.9 index) has led Spartak in scoring, assists, steals, fouls drawn and performance index ranking, helping the team to get a near-perfect 15-1 from the Qualifying Rounds to the Eurocup Finals. He earned Last 16 Game 1 MVP honors with a 27 index. Beverley is all over the Eurocup individual stats boards, tying for second place in index and for ninth place in assists, leading the competition in steals and ranking second in fouls drawn (5.8 per game). Planinic (10.5 ppg., 84.2% FT, 3.1 rpg., 4.9 apg., 1.5 spg., 14.7 index) leads BC Khimki in assists, steals, fouls drawn and index. Planinic is third overall in assists and seventh in fouls drawn (4.6 per game) in this Eurocup season. Seibutis (14.3 ppg., 48.8% 3FG, 88.6% FT, 2.9 rpg., 2.3 apg.) is Lietuvos Rytas' top scorer and also leads the team in fouls drawn. It is the competition's fifth top scorer, ranks third in free throw percentage and fourth in three-point percentage. Caner-Medley (12.8 ppg., 84.4% FT, 6.1 rpg., 1.6 spg., 15.5 index) leads Valencia Basket in scoring, rebounding, assists and index ranking. He was the regular season Game 3 MVP with a 29 index, ranking eighth in this category so far this season. Caner-Medley is the competition's sixth-best rebounder and ranks seventh in steals. As everyone in the All-Eurocup team, Caner-Medley led Valencia to the Eurocup Finals. Valanciunas (11.3 ppg., 64.1% 2FG, 7.9 rpg., 1.6 bpg., 16.9 index) becomes the first Eurocup Rising Star award winner to reach the All-Eurocup first team. He ties for second place in index, is also second in total rebounds, fourth in blocks and seventh in two-point percentage.

SECOND TEAMHeadlining the second team is Yotam Halperin, who led Spartak St. Petersburg to the Eurocup Finals. Joining him as All-Eurocup second team choices are Ramel Curry of BC Donetsk, Pavel Pumprla of CEZ Nymburk, Jeremiah Massey of Lokomotiv Kuban and Bojan Dubljevic of KK Buducnost Voli, who led their respective teams to the quarterfinals. All five players are All-Eurocup choices for the first time in their careers. The All-Eurocup first team will be unveiled on Thursday, April 5. The All-Eurocup first and second teams are in their fourth season and are named by in-house experts at Euroleague Basketball with the goal of enhancing the recognition of the finest Eurocup players for their efforts throughout the season. The first and second teams are divided by position, each with two guards, two forwards and one center. In his first Eurocup season, Halperin (8.4 ppg., 40.6% 3FG, 2.7 rpg., 5.4 apg., 13.9 index) tied for first in assists in the Eurocup. He became the MVP of Quarterfinals Game 2 with a 31 performance index ranking in a go-ahead win against Nymburk. A two-time Euroleague winner with Maccabi Tel Aviv, Halperin will now try to add a Eurocup trophy to his roll of honors. Curry (16.4 ppg., 46.4% 3FG, 3.9 rpg., 3.1 apg., 1.4 spg., 15.1 index) led Donetsk in points, assists, steals and index rating as the Ukrainian powerhouse reached the quarterfinals in its first Eurocup season. He is the 2011-12 Eurocups leading scorer. Pumprla (12.7 ppg., 42.1% 3FG, 5.9 rpg., 2.2 apg., 1.8 spg., 15.7 index) led CEZ Nymburk in index, rebounds and steals as his year-long solid performance took the Czech champs back to the Eurocup Quarterfinals. He was third in steals, seventh in total rebounds and eight in index in the entire competition. Massey (15.9 ppg., 8.4 rpg., 2.1 apg., 1.6 spg., 19.9 index) led the 2011-12 Eurocup in index and rebounding, was second in scoring and sixth in steals. He earned weekly MVP honors in regular season Game 5 and Top 16 Game 6 and helped Loko to reach the quarterfinals. At age 20, Dubljevic (11.5 ppg., 40.6% 3FG, 5.5 rpg., 12.7 index) led Buducnost in points, rebounds and index. He was a major reason Buducnost made it to the quarterfinals and once there earned Quarterfinals Game 1 MVP honors.

Panathinaikos will head to Istanbul to try to defend its Turkish Airlines Euroleague crown at the 2012 Final Four after holding off Maccabi Electra 86-85 in a classic Game 5 in front of a packed house at OAKA. Euroleague MVP Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) capped a fantastic evening with the game-winning free throw with 5 seconds remaining and then a steal on the final play to seal the victory. Diamantidis finished with 25 points, a career-high 34 performance index rating and came within 1 of a playoffs record with 12 fouls drawn. His 15 free throws made established a new playoffs single-game record. The Greens move on to face CSKA Moscow in the semifinals of the Final Four next month. Maccabi, which lost the Euroleague title game to Panathinaikos, is done for the season. Maccabi held a slim 18-20 lead after 10 minutes, but the Greens pushed back and took total control by halftime, 41-32. The lead reached 12 before back-to-back Yogev Ohayon (189-G-87) threes highlighted a 12-0 Maccabi run to tie the game at 46-46. Ohayon had a chance to put the Israeli champs ahead from the line, but missed twice. Panathinaikos responded with the next 10 points to regain control. But Maccabi had one last fourth-quarter run in it. Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas) closed the gap and Guy Pnini (200-F/G-83) tied it at 85-85 with 9.8 seconds to go. However Diamantidis got back to the line, made the go-ahead free throw and despite missing the second, came up with a big defensive play to secure the win. Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) added 13 points for the winners. David Blu (201-F-80, college: USC) paced Maccabi with 14 points, Langford tallied 11 and 5 assists and Tal Burstein (198-G/F-80, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) and Yogev Ohayon netted 10 each.

Maccabi controlled the opening tip and got on the scoreboard quickly on a Blu jumper. Sofoklis Schortsanitis beat a double team to find Ohayon for Maccabis second basket before the classic Diamantidis-to-Mike Batiste pick-and-roll resulted in a basket for the latter. Maccabis strong early defense resulted in a Langford layup. Nick Calathes soon sank the games first three-pointer to make it 5-6 and Diamantidis followed by tying the game from the line. Batise gave the Greens their first lead with a second-chance hook shot, however Blu responded from downtown to make it 8-9 midway through the quarter. After a timeout, Batiste and Langford swapped layups and leads. Then Richard Hendrix followed a Steven Smith basket with a monster jam. Reserves Lior Eliyahu for the visitors and Kostas Tsartsaris for the hosts both scored in the paint to make it 15-15. Romain Sato put Panathinaikos up 1 from the line. A second foul on Hendrix forced Maccabi coach David Blatt to call upon Shawn James, who made it 11 visitors on the floor in the opening quarter. Burstein drilled a three that gave the visitors an 18-20 lead after 10 minutes.

Ian Vougioukas tied it for the hosts with a basket in the paint. Eliyahu and Jasikevicius traded baskets in rapid succession. Batiste beat a double team with a pass to a cutting Kostas Kaimakoglou to make it 24-22. James made an impact on the defensive end, while Devin Smith battled on the offensive glass and drew fouls on back-to-back possessions and sank free throws to tie the score. Diamantidis free throws put the hosts back on top. Blatt was assessed a technical foul for arguing a call and Diamantidis took advantage by making the resulting free throws and a tip-in on the offensive glass to put the Greens up by 6. An Ohayon- to-James alley-oop got Maccabi going again, but a Batiste tip-in and Diamantidis free throws made it 34-26. Devin Smith sank a pull-up jumper only to see Jasikevicius hit back with a three-pointer. Schortsanitis got his first points of the game with 3 free throws over two possessions. Devin Smith narrowed the gap to 7, but Saras answered back with 2 from the charity stripe. Burstein shot at the buzzer was blocked by Tsartsaris as the hosts went into the locker room up 41-32 at halftime.

Stratos Perperoglou drove to give Panathinaikos its first double-digit lead after the first play of the second half. A basket by Hendrix underneath was bettered by Diamantidis to put the Greens up 12. Baskets by Hendrix and Blu sandwiched an offensive foul by Diamantidis. Then Ohayon buried a three-pointer and Maccabi was suddenly within 46-41. A second Ohayon triple capped a 0-10 burst as Panathinaikos called timeout after seeing its lead slashed. The timeout did not stop the visitors as Hendrix sank a short jumper to tie the score and silence the crowd, 46-46, midway through the third quarter. Ohayon went to the line with a chance to give Maccabi the lead, but missed twice. Instead Perperoglou banged in a long jumper to rescue the Greens and Jasikevicius hit a pull-up jumper. A Kaimakoglou triple made it a 7-0 run for the hosts. Perperoglou added another triple to make it 56-46 before Devin Smith scored for Maccabi. Vougioukas free throws restored a 10-point lead and his fade-away jumper made it 12 before Burstein sank a three at the buzzer for a 62-53 line.

Perperoglou answered with another big jumper early in the fourth quarter. Maccabi went to Schortsanitis down low for a few baskets, but the Greens kept scoring to negate the damage. A David Logan fast break slam put the hosts ahead 68-58. Aleks Maric came off the bench and scored in the paint for a 12-point lead. Guy Pnini answered with a three only to see Diamantidis match him as OAKA rocked and rolled. Ohayon penetrated for a layup and Blu hit a long jumper as Maccabi tried to make another push. After a timeout, Pnini stripped Diamantidis and Blu hit another jumper to make it 73-67 with just under four minutes remaining. A Langford follow basket cut the deficit to 5. Calathes found Maric inside for an important slam and Blu missed his next shot. Vougioukas extended the lead to 78-69 with 2:23 remaining. Pnini kept Maccabi in the fight with a triple. Maric split free throws. Devin Smith drove for a layup, but a tough layup by Diamantidis kept the Green in control. Lanfrod struck a quick three to get within 81-77 with 1:15 remaining. After Devin Smith fouled out, but Mric missed two from the line, Langford clawed Maccabi within 2 with 53.3 seconds left. Kaimakoglou was fouled at the basket with 32.6 seconds left, but missed both free throws. Langford tried to tie it, but missed. Langford fouled out with 15.7 seconds left and Diamantidis made it a two-possession game by sinking both free throws, 83-79. Hendrix found a cutting Blu for a basket-plus-foul that took just 3 seconds off the clock to make it a 1-point game. Diamantidis was back at the line with 11.3 tics on the clock and made both for an 85-82 score. Pnini went for a long three and was fouled with 9.8 seconds to go. Pnini made them all to tie the game at 85-85. Diamantidis drove and drew a foul with 5 seconds left. He made the first, but missed the second. Burstein rose for the rebound and turned to lead one final attack. However Diamantidis tipped the ball away and Maccabi did not get off a last shot as Panathinaikos held on for the win and a trip to Istanbul.

Euroleague Basketball has announced that all available seats for the 2012 Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four have been sold, assuring that European basketballs premier event will once again be played to a packed house. The Final Four will take place from May 11 to 13 in Istanbul, Turkey, at Sinan Erdem Arena. The famous arena seats a capacity of 14,535, with the Turkish Airlines Final Four configuration, though some of those seats are reserved for qualifying teams, media and guests. Devoted basketball fans from Europe and beyond will converge in Istanbul next month for a thrilling weekend during which the 2012 Euroleague champion will be crowned.

Due to the sellout, no more tickets are available for the games except those that are offered to the Final Four teams and those contained in travel packages through Detur, the official travel agency of the 2012 Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four. Fans from Spain, Greece, Russia, Israel and Turkey were among the biggest tickets buyers, ensuring that a truly international crowd will be on hand to help crown the Turkish Airlines Euroleague champion at Sinan Erdem Arena on May 13.

'This sellout demonstrates the fact that Istanbul was an excellent choice to host the 2012 Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four, as it combines unquestionable touristic attractions with a growing local interest in our sport,' Jordi Bertomeu, Euroleague Basketball President and CEO, said. 'At the same time, this provides even more evidence that the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four keeps growing in importance, despite the global economic downturn and competition from a panorama of big events available to sports fans. Remember that most of the fans who bought tickets did so without even knowing whether their teams would qualify for the Final Four. They were no doubt encouraged by the great sporting level witnessed during the season. Now, they will be able to enjoy not only four great games in Istanbul, but a great number of parallel events that will make the Final Four an unforgettable experience. Euroleague Basketball and the Turkish Basketball Federation look forward to welcoming thousands of fans from all over to this wonderful basketball celebration!'

Moore's 34-point game gives him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News

34-year old guard Malik Moore (192-G-77, agency: Prossin Sports Management) put on an amazing game in the last round for Namika Lahti and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 44.He had the game-high 34 points adding six rebounds and five assists for Namika Lahti in his team's victory, helping them to crush LrNMKY (#7, 17-23) with 20-point margin 103-83. Namika Lahti maintains the 11th position in Finnish league. Too late to salvage the team, which is currently ranked at the very bottom. They already lost 29 games and recorded just eleven victories. In the team's last game Moore had a remarkable 72.7% from 2-point range. He turned to be Namika Lahti's top player in his first season with the team. American International College graduate has very impressive stats this year. Moore is league's best passer with 5.2apg. Moore is in league's top in and averages solid 58.1% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Justin Hawkins (201-F-85) of ToPo. He is American forward in his first season at ToPo. In the last game Hawkins recorded impressive double-double of 32 points and 10 rebounds. Bad luck as ToPo lost that game 91-98 to the lower-ranked Korihait (#10, 13-27). ToPo managed to keep the same 5th spot in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 21-19 record is not bad and everything may still change. Hawkins is one of the most experienced players at ToPo and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Tim Blue (205-F-84) of KTP (#6). Blue scored 28 points and grabbed fifteen rebounds (!!!). Despite Blue's great performance KTP lost 91-94 to the higher-ranked Nilan Bisons (#2, 28-12). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of KTP ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 22 games, recording just eighteen victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Blue could help KTP to bring them higher in the standings. Blue has a great season in Finland. After 40 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 23.3ppg (best scorer) and rebounds with 10.7rpg (3rd best). He also has 1.5bpg, FGP: 57.5% and 3PT: 40.2%.

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Another bad news for Bennet Cantu. After injury troubles with Gianluca Basile (192-G-75), Vladimir Micov (203-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) and Marko Scekic (207-F/C-81, agency: Beo Basket), the Italian squad stays without Giorgi Shermadini (216-C-89) due to fractured foot. He will be sidelined for one month. Shermadini appeared 22 times in SerieA this season averaging 9 points and 5.2 rebounds. He participated at the SerieA All-Star Game. Shermadini also played 16 games in Euroleague registering 10.9 ppg and 5.5 rpg. Giorgi Shermadini spent last season with Union Olimpija. It was a loan from Panathinaikos, where Sherma played from 2008 to 2010. In the past, Giorgi Shermadini played for Maccabi Tbilisi and was the best player in Georgia. In their last season together he had 33.5 ppg, 18.4 rpg, 4.8 apg, 2.3 spg and 3.3 bpg for 20 games in Highest League. Giorgi Shermadini got injured during the Wednesday practice.

So a close friend of mine the other day asked me what do you do want to do when you finish playing basketball? I thought for a second, and I really didnt have a clear answer or anything I could really say back to him. It is sort of funny cause my whole life I have been playing this game that I grew up to love and to be honest it is almost that time where I need to make that decision. The door is closing right before my eyes, but trust me it is not shut all the way and when it is, I will be the first to know, instead of the many that have there opinions about the things I do or dont do well on the court and judge me even if they have never been on the court involved in a basketball game (fans). Im very appreciative for what I have accomplished coming from little Visalia, California and playing division 2 basketball, starting in the regionaliga and working my way up to the BBL. So what will be my options after the season, I know one option it wont be, it will not involve me retiring and not playing when I am still as athletic as most players that I play against each week. When I feel ...and I mean when I feel like I cant help out a team then I will not play anymore. So with that being said that answers the question about me not playing next season. But there will be a time when that day comes when I need to make that decision but that time is not now. It really seems like yesterday I just got into the country and ordered a peporoni pizza and was disspointed cause there were peppers on my pizza. Time has flown by and I cant even tell you where my 20s went but at the same time I wouldnt have traded this experience for anything in the world. Sometimes I know I take this career for granted by the things I do, but without basketball I wouldnt have got to know many of my friends I have to this day and saw many of the places that many can only dream of seeing on television. So yea this blog session was about me not retiring but guess what its my blog and I can write what I want to. Last thing as far as answering my boy who asked me the other day what will I do when I finish playing, Ill answer that when I am actually finished, but until that time comes find me on a court here in Germany bruh.. Take care everyone and Ill talk soon.

The Beko BBL announced to day that ex NBA and current BBC Bayreuth player Brandon Hunter (201-F-80, college: Ohio) will miss three games due to an assault against a player on the court. In the last game of BBC Bayreuth against the Artland Dragons on April 1st, Hunter bumped German player Guido Grunheid so hard with both arms that the player fell to the ground. The game director of the Beko BBL Dirk Horstmann qualifyed this action as an assualt so that Hunter be suspended for the next 3 games. The ex Boston Celtic will be able to play again on April 21st against FC Bayern Munich.

Louis Hinnant (193-PG-84, college: Boston Coll.)s a 26 year old 193cm guard from Gwynn Park/Oxon Hill,Maryland that recently joined the Mitteldeutscher BC. He played at Boston College from 2002-2005. In his senior year, he played 36 games: 7.5ppg, 2.8rpg, 4.6apg, FG: 48.4%, 3PT: 43%, FT: 69.1%. He reached the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2006. In 2006-2007, he started his professional basketball career with Sundsvall Dragons (Sweden-Basketligan, starting five): 22 games: 16.0ppg, 3.8rpg, 4.9apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 74.1%. In 2007-2008, he played for Joensuun Kataja (Finland-Korisliiga, starting five): 41 games: 18.0ppg, 5.3rpg, Assists-2 (4.4apg), 1.5spg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 87.5%. He then played for Zalakeramia-ZTE KK (Hungary) from 2008-2010 winning the league title and cup in 2010. Last season, he played for Kryvbasbasket-Lux Kryvyi Rih (Ukraine-Superleague)playing 13 games: 10.2ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 71.7%. This season, he started off with Anwil Wloclawek (Poland) but left in Oct.'11, in Dec.'11 moved to Khimik-OPZ Yuzny, but left the same month. He spoke to Eurobasket before the playoff series against Science City Jena.

You have played in many countries in the last years. Where would you stack up your current team MBC with talent compared to the other teams?

Its really hard to say, different teams, and rosters are built for different leagues, and I wouldn't want to make comparisons between my current and former teammates, but I do know that we have all the pieces that we need to make a legitimate run at the championship, we just have to put it all together for one more month.

MBC finished the regular season winning the PRO A. Does this team have the championship mentality now?

Yea I think so, I think that has always been the mentality and the aspirations for this team. Not every team approaches the season the same, but pretty much the goal has been to be successful in April and May.

You are averaging 9,0ppg, 3,1rpg and 3,2apg. You came late to the team. How happy have you been with your game at the PRO A level?

Im happy to come and contribute to a winning team and organization, and to be an important part of us potentially reaching our ultimate goal which is to move up to the BBL. Winning is more important than anything with me. Individually, I know that I am capable of much more statistically, which has been the case in my previous teams, but we are all here sacrificing our individual success for a common team goal, here at MBC.

The first opponent is Jena. In the only game that you played against them, you celebrated a 81-73 win. It was your second game as a wolf. What do you remember from this game?

I remember them playing with a high tempo style of game. For me, I just wanted to come in and be solid defensively, and try to be at the right place at the right time. I was new to a first place team, so it was very important for me to not come in and interfere with the chemistry that they had been playing with prior to me getting here.

Science City Jena revolves around 3 Americans with Tyler Kepkay, Jeremy Black and Kenny Barker. Barker and Kepkay have Beko BBL experience. Which of these guys is most dangerous and will have to be watched most closely?

I know Black had a pretty good game against us, so we have to do a better job on him this time around. Barker is very capable of having a big night on any given night, and Kepkay is obviously a very good player also. I think that we will have our hands full with all 3 of those guys, along with several other players.

MBC only had 19 rebounds in the Jena win. How vital will be the boards for MBC winning this series?

I think in general we have to get better as a rebounding team. We have shown in different games that we can dominate on the boards, and other games we have shown that we can kind of become disinterested with rebounding. Its not necessarily on our big men to rebound, our guards can do a better job as well. I know that I have to contribute more than 3 rebounds per game if we want to get to where we are trying to go.

Arizona Reid had Jena for dinner connecting for 30 points. What has been his most valuable asset this season for the team?

Arizona provides us with a flat out scorer on our team. I think he, Hordur and Steve are probably our best flat out scorers. He comes and he's always around the ball, he puts himself in good positions to make and take shots and we he gets it going he is tough to stop. He can play multiple positions, and because of his skill set he is usually a mismatch between the 3 and 4 positions in this league.

If Jordan Collins is the juiceman, what are you in terms of a nickname for him?

Well my nickname is Byrd. It was always my name since birth. When I'm home absolutely nobody calls me Louis. Its always awkward when people call me Louis, just because I'm not really used to it.

Which team did you want to see in the 2012 NCAA Final 4 that didnt make it?

Well seeing Boston College (my school) in the Final Four would have been nice. Im really not that familiar with any other school, because I haven't followed much since I left school.

Dennis Rodman has said that he is broke. How does the worm have to worm himself out of that black hole?

Yeah, I've heard about Dennis Rodman. I'm not sure if I'm the person to tell 'The Worm' how to better his financial situation lol. He has earned far more money in his career than I have. However, I did read a statement from his agent, saying that a lot of his problems stem from alcohol and drug use. If this is the case my words of advice would be to obviously, seek some help with these addictions, first and foremost, and hopefully everything else would fall in line.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last DVD I watched was called 'The Last Don'. Im a huge mafia/crime movie watcher. Im actually loading up 'Donnie Brasco' right now.

Ahmad Smith (194-G-84, college: St.Bonaventure)s a 27 year old 194cm guard from Virginia that is playing fort he Kirchheim Knights. He played at St.Bonaventure (NCAA) from 2002-2006 and in his senior year played 28 games: ScoreA10-8 (14.2ppg), RebA10-10 (6.2rpg), AssistsA10-9 (3.5apg), FGP: 41.0%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 59.8%. In 2006-2007, he played for Mardyke UCC Demons Cork (Ireland-SuperLeague): 9 games: 18.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 4.2apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 60.8%. In 2007-2008, he played for SVD 49 Dortmund (Regionalliga): 6 games: 30.2ppg. In 2008-2009, he played for : BSV Wulfen (Germany-Regionalliga) 23.5ppg, 10.1rpg, 6.0apg, 3PT: 35.2%. In 2009-2010, he played for Hertener Loewen (Germany-ProB)29 games: 18.2ppg, Reb-2 (8.7rpg), Assists-1 (7.1apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 69.5%. Last season, he played for s Oliver Baskets Wuerzburg (Germany-ProA): left before the season started, then moved to SVD 49 Dortmund (Germany-Regionalliga): 6 games: 12.8ppg, waived in Nov.'10, in Jan.'11 signed at Nuernberger Basketball Club (Germany-ProB, starting five): 15 games: 8.3ppg, 6.8rpg, Assists-1 (7.1apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 39.1%, 3PT: 28.2%, FT: 69.1%. He spoke to eurobasket before the playoff series against the ETB Wohnbau Baskets.

Kirchheim finished the regular season at 18-10. How happy were you with the season in general with the team play and with your own game?

I'm happy with our overall team play finishing the regular season second in such an competitive league from top to bottom is a great accomplishment for us!!! In terms of how I played I feel I showed a lot of people I can win on any level.

MBC finished in first place at 23-5. What separates MBC and Kirchheim the most besides 5 wins?

I think what separates them from the entire league is their depth at every position.

You play the playoffs for a reason. There have been rumours that Kirchheim wont be able to move up even if they could. How discouraging is that knowing if you win, you might not be able to move up to the BEKO BBL?

Its really discouraging because I think it would be good for the city and fans in Kirchheim to have a BBL team. But our goal as a team remains the same we want to win a championship.

Which Kirchheim player has been the most improved player this season?

Nils Menck and Sebastian Adeberg

Kirchheim plays the ETB Wohnbau in the first round of the playoffs. What do you remember most from the two games against them this season?

That they played hard every possession.

Essen is the underdog in this series. What is headcoach Branislav Ignjatovic doing not for the team to underestimate them?

He doesn't have to say much we have a veteran team that understands that in the playoffs you can't underestimate anyone

A key matchup in this series could be Ahmad Smith-Chris Alexander. What is the hardest part of his game to control?

His speed he's probably the fastest guard in the league.

Besides Alexander how key will it be to limit Kendall Chones who is the son of former NBA player Jim Chones?

We have to try to limit his touches in the paint and box him out

The German basketball world is still waiting for the first Ahmad Smith triple double. Might we see it in the Essen series?

I've been waiting too it would be great to get one only if it came with a WIN

What is going to be key in getting past Essen in this opening round?

DEFENSE we need to defend every possession.

Dennis Rodman has stated that he is broke. What does he need to do to worm himself out of this black hole?

Stop spending more than he makes or hire a better financial advisor lol

Derrick Rose has endorsed Kevin Durant as NBA MVP. Is this something that you agree with?

Yeah I think he's the MVP this season

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Harlem Nights.

Thanks Ahmad for the chat.

Germany U18 beat USA in test game - by Eurobasket News

Germany U18-USA U18 95:66

Germany U18 beat USA in test game before the start of the Albert Schweitzer Tournament. The European team easily rolled over the opponents 95:66.Germany took 14-12 after the first five minutes of the game and had 19:17 at the end of it. USA team however tied the game at 29:29 but then failed in the rest five minutes of the half. Germany needed a push to finish the half at 45:35. Moreover they increased to 62:37 after 25 minutes and led 69:39 after three quarters. Both teams nailed 27 points each in the final period for the result in the end of the game. Paul Zipser (195-G-94) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and Gavin Schilling added 16. Robert Zinn (194-PG-95) netted 14 and Malik Muller posted 11. Austin Nichols finished the game with 12 points in defeat and Collin Hartmann had 11.

The game was mostly controlled by Kirchheim Knights. ETB Wohnbau managed to win third quarter 32-30. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Kirchheim Knights made 21-of-25 free shots (84.0 percent) during the game. They shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 56.0 percentage. American guard Ahmad Smith (194-84, college: St.Bonaventure) fired a double-double by scoring 29 points and 11 assists (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) for the winners. Forward Nils Menck (203-82) chipped in 16 points and 5 rebounds. Canadian-Bosnian guard Diego Kapelan (190-87, college: McNeese St.) produced 26 points (made all of his nine free throws !!!) and American forward Joseph Henley (196-85, college: Sacred Heart) added 16 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Top scorers:Kirchheim: A.Smith 29+3reb+11ast, N.Menck 16+5reb, S.Adeberg 15+2reb+1ast, C.Brooks 13+2reb+2ast, D.Uskoski 12+2reb+1ast, B.Bekteshi 8+1reb+1astETB Wohnbau: D.Kapelan 26+1reb+2ast, J.Henley 16+7reb+1ast, M.Buljevic 14+1reb, K.Wysocki 13+4reb+2ast, C.Alexander 12+5reb+3ast, P.Carney 2+1reb

Panathinaikos will head to Istanbul to try to defend its Turkish Airlines Euroleague crown at the 2012 Final Four after holding off Maccabi Electra 86-85 in a classic Game 5 in front of a packed house at OAKA. Euroleague MVP Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) capped a fantastic evening with the game-winning free throw with 5 seconds remaining and then a steal on the final play to seal the victory. Diamantidis finished with 25 points, a career-high 34 performance index rating and came within 1 of a playoffs record with 12 fouls drawn. His 15 free throws made established a new playoffs single-game record. The Greens move on to face CSKA Moscow in the semifinals of the Final Four next month. Maccabi, which lost the Euroleague title game to Panathinaikos, is done for the season. Maccabi held a slim 18-20 lead after 10 minutes, but the Greens pushed back and took total control by halftime, 41-32. The lead reached 12 before back-to-back Yogev Ohayon (189-G-87) threes highlighted a 12-0 Maccabi run to tie the game at 46-46. Ohayon had a chance to put the Israeli champs ahead from the line, but missed twice. Panathinaikos responded with the next 10 points to regain control. But Maccabi had one last fourth-quarter run in it. Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas) closed the gap and Guy Pnini (200-F/G-83) tied it at 85-85 with 9.8 seconds to go. However Diamantidis got back to the line, made the go-ahead free throw and despite missing the second, came up with a big defensive play to secure the win. Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) added 13 points for the winners. David Blu (201-F-80, college: USC) paced Maccabi with 14 points, Langford tallied 11 and 5 assists and Tal Burstein (198-G/F-80, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) and Yogev Ohayon netted 10 each.

Maccabi controlled the opening tip and got on the scoreboard quickly on a Blu jumper. Sofoklis Schortsanitis beat a double team to find Ohayon for Maccabis second basket before the classic Diamantidis-to-Mike Batiste pick-and-roll resulted in a basket for the latter. Maccabis strong early defense resulted in a Langford layup. Nick Calathes soon sank the games first three-pointer to make it 5-6 and Diamantidis followed by tying the game from the line. Batise gave the Greens their first lead with a second-chance hook shot, however Blu responded from downtown to make it 8-9 midway through the quarter. After a timeout, Batiste and Langford swapped layups and leads. Then Richard Hendrix followed a Steven Smith basket with a monster jam. Reserves Lior Eliyahu for the visitors and Kostas Tsartsaris for the hosts both scored in the paint to make it 15-15. Romain Sato put Panathinaikos up 1 from the line. A second foul on Hendrix forced Maccabi coach David Blatt to call upon Shawn James, who made it 11 visitors on the floor in the opening quarter. Burstein drilled a three that gave the visitors an 18-20 lead after 10 minutes.

Ian Vougioukas tied it for the hosts with a basket in the paint. Eliyahu and Jasikevicius traded baskets in rapid succession. Batiste beat a double team with a pass to a cutting Kostas Kaimakoglou to make it 24-22. James made an impact on the defensive end, while Devin Smith battled on the offensive glass and drew fouls on back-to-back possessions and sank free throws to tie the score. Diamantidis free throws put the hosts back on top. Blatt was assessed a technical foul for arguing a call and Diamantidis took advantage by making the resulting free throws and a tip-in on the offensive glass to put the Greens up by 6. An Ohayon- to-James alley-oop got Maccabi going again, but a Batiste tip-in and Diamantidis free throws made it 34-26. Devin Smith sank a pull-up jumper only to see Jasikevicius hit back with a three-pointer. Schortsanitis got his first points of the game with 3 free throws over two possessions. Devin Smith narrowed the gap to 7, but Saras answered back with 2 from the charity stripe. Burstein shot at the buzzer was blocked by Tsartsaris as the hosts went into the locker room up 41-32 at halftime.

Stratos Perperoglou drove to give Panathinaikos its first double-digit lead after the first play of the second half. A basket by Hendrix underneath was bettered by Diamantidis to put the Greens up 12. Baskets by Hendrix and Blu sandwiched an offensive foul by Diamantidis. Then Ohayon buried a three-pointer and Maccabi was suddenly within 46-41. A second Ohayon triple capped a 0-10 burst as Panathinaikos called timeout after seeing its lead slashed. The timeout did not stop the visitors as Hendrix sank a short jumper to tie the score and silence the crowd, 46-46, midway through the third quarter. Ohayon went to the line with a chance to give Maccabi the lead, but missed twice. Instead Perperoglou banged in a long jumper to rescue the Greens and Jasikevicius hit a pull-up jumper. A Kaimakoglou triple made it a 7-0 run for the hosts. Perperoglou added another triple to make it 56-46 before Devin Smith scored for Maccabi. Vougioukas free throws restored a 10-point lead and his fade-away jumper made it 12 before Burstein sank a three at the buzzer for a 62-53 line.

Perperoglou answered with another big jumper early in the fourth quarter. Maccabi went to Schortsanitis down low for a few baskets, but the Greens kept scoring to negate the damage. A David Logan fast break slam put the hosts ahead 68-58. Aleks Maric came off the bench and scored in the paint for a 12-point lead. Guy Pnini answered with a three only to see Diamantidis match him as OAKA rocked and rolled. Ohayon penetrated for a layup and Blu hit a long jumper as Maccabi tried to make another push. After a timeout, Pnini stripped Diamantidis and Blu hit another jumper to make it 73-67 with just under four minutes remaining. A Langford follow basket cut the deficit to 5. Calathes found Maric inside for an important slam and Blu missed his next shot. Vougioukas extended the lead to 78-69 with 2:23 remaining. Pnini kept Maccabi in the fight with a triple. Maric split free throws. Devin Smith drove for a layup, but a tough layup by Diamantidis kept the Green in control. Lanfrod struck a quick three to get within 81-77 with 1:15 remaining. After Devin Smith fouled out, but Mric missed two from the line, Langford clawed Maccabi within 2 with 53.3 seconds left. Kaimakoglou was fouled at the basket with 32.6 seconds left, but missed both free throws. Langford tried to tie it, but missed. Langford fouled out with 15.7 seconds left and Diamantidis made it a two-possession game by sinking both free throws, 83-79. Hendrix found a cutting Blu for a basket-plus-foul that took just 3 seconds off the clock to make it a 1-point game. Diamantidis was back at the line with 11.3 tics on the clock and made both for an 85-82 score. Pnini went for a long three and was fouled with 9.8 seconds to go. Pnini made them all to tie the game at 85-85. Diamantidis drove and drew a foul with 5 seconds left. He made the first, but missed the second. Burstein rose for the rebound and turned to lead one final attack. However Diamantidis tipped the ball away and Maccabi did not get off a last shot as Panathinaikos held on for the win and a trip to Istanbul.

American guard Nikolas Raivio (192-G-86, agency: Priority Sports) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Kaposvari, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 26. The 25-year old player had a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds, while his team edged out Kecskemeti (14-12) 62-59. Kaposvari finished with 11-15 record (9th place) and was close to reach the Playoffs. Raivio turned to be Kaposvari's top player in his first season with the team. Former University of Portland star has very solid stats this year. Raivio is in league's top in points (4th best: 21.1ppg), rebounds (5th best: 8.7rpg) and averages impressive 2.3spg and 50.2% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 23-year old American Brandon Fields (193-G-88) of Marso NYKK. Fields had a very good evening with 30 points, 4 rebounds and 8 assists. Bad luck as Marso NYKK lost that game 92-105 to the higher-ranked Falco-Szova (#1, 23-3). Fields is one of the most experienced players at Marso NYKK and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third on the list of top players last round was American guard Justin Ingram (185-PG-85, agency: Two Points) of FS Debrecen. Ingram showcased his all-around game by recording 29 points, six rebounds and six assists in the last round. Despite Ingram's great performance FS Debrecen lost 92-101in overtime to the higher-ranked Atomeromu (18-8). Ingram has individually a great season in Hungary. After 26 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 24.6ppg (best scorer) and assists with 5.7apg (5th best).

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

A Division Round 26: Regular season is over, Falco-Szova is No.1 - by Eurobasket News

The Regular Season in A Division is over. Falco-Szova is No.1 with 23-3 record. Eight teams advanced to Playoff Quarterfinals. Pairs are Falco-Szova - Soproni, Albacomp - PVSK Pannon, Szolnok - Kecskemeti and Kormend - Atomeromu. Dates/format will be announced soon.

Marso NYKK - Falco-Szova 92-105The game was mostly controlled by Falco-Szova. Marso NYKK was better in third quarter 28-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Marso NYKK 39-22 including 26 on the defensive glass. International forward Zsolt Szabo (202-86, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) notched a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the effort and American guard Chad Timberlake (194-84, college: Fair Dickinson) supported him with 23 points (on 11-of-12 shooting from the field). Four Falco-Szova players scored in double figures. Even 30 points and 8 assists by American guard Brandon Fields (193-88, college: Nevada) did not help to save the game for Marso NYKK. Montenegrin forward Damjan Kandic (208-84) added 21 points and 6 rebounds for the hosts. Top scorers:Falco-Szova: C.Timberlake 23+3reb+2ast, Z.Szabo 19+10reb+1ast, B.Jancikin 13+1reb, D.Pantelic 13+14reb, T.Will 9+2reb+1ast, L.Kalman 8+2reb+2astMarso NYKK: B.Fields 30+4reb+8ast, D.Kandic 21+6reb+1ast, M.Mohacsi 15+2reb+1ast, E.Sitku 9+4reb, V.Pavlovic 7+1reb+2ast, K.Nagy 3+3reb

gschID: 146793

Soproni - PVSK Pannon 90-75Soproni defeated PVSK Pannon 90-75. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of PVSK Pannon. PVSK Pannon was tied at the half but could not keep up in last two quarters eventually losing the game. Soproni dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to PVSK Pannon's 34. American guard Dontay Thomas (186-84, college: La Salle) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists and 5 steals. Nigerian center Benson Egemonye (207-83, college: Niagara) contributed with 20 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Four Soproni players scored in double figures. Soproni's coach Robert Meszlenyi allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Serbian guard Andrija Ciric (199-80, agency: BeoExcell) replied with 27 points and 5 rebounds and the former international forward Norbert Toth (203-86, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) added 18 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for PVSK Pannon. Top scorers:Soproni: A.Molnar 22+3reb+1ast, B.Egemonye 20+9reb+1ast, D.Thomas 19+5reb+10ast, J.Rubin 14+6reb+1ast, Z.Vesztergom 7+2reb+1ast, G.Gombas 5+4reb+2astPVSK Pannon: A.Ciric 27+5reb+2ast, N.Toth 18+10reb+1ast, J.Doyne 17+8reb+1ast, N.Vasojevic 8+2reb, A.Deak 3, A.Csabay 2+3reb+1ast

gschID: 146794

Albacomp - Szolnok 78-71The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 24-15. But Szolnok won third quarter 19-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Albacomp dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Szolnok's 28. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Albacomp made 8 blocks. American swingman Muhammad El Amin (196-87, college: Stony Brook) scored 19 points and 5 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and international power forward Akos Keller (206-89, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) chipped in 15 points, 9 rebounds and 6 blocks (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) during the contest. International point guard Obie Trotter (186-84, college: Alabama A&M, agency: Court Side) responded with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 10 rebounds and Bulgarian forward Hristo Nikolov (200-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza) scored 17 points and 7 rebounds. Top scorers:Albacomp: M.El Amin 19+5reb+3ast, A.Keller 15+9reb+2ast, B.Simon 14+3reb+6ast, R.Hendlein 12+7reb, W.Chism 11+6reb+2ast, F.Bodi 5+1reb+1astSzolnok: O.Trotter 24+10reb+3ast, H.Nikolov 17+7reb+2ast, A.Horvath 15+1reb+1ast, M.Bader 11+4reb, Z.Trepak 4+3reb, B.Gay 0+5reb+1ast

gschID: 146788

Jaszberenyi - Kormend 71-82Very expected game when 13th ranked Jaszberenyi (6-20) was defeated at home by fourth ranked Kormend (19-7) 82-71 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Kormend. Jaszberenyi was better in fourth quarter 20-12. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. American power forward Darian Townes (208-84) scored 15 points and 7 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and power forward Janos Eilingsfeld (198-91, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) chipped in 14 points during the contest. Five Kormend players scored in double figures. Serbian center Rastko Dramicanin (207-86, agency: BeoExcell) responded with 31 points and 5 rebounds (on 14-of-18 shooting from the field) and guard Adam Szogi (176-90) scored 9 points and 5 assists. Top scorers:Kormend: D.Townes 15+7reb+2ast, G.Cseh 14+3reb, J.Eilingsfeld 14+4reb, I.Nemeth 14+1ast, C.Ferencz 11+3reb+1ast, D.Mladenovic 5+1rebJaszberenyi: R.Dramicanin 31+5reb+2ast, B.Horti 11+5reb+2ast, M.Medve 10+3reb+4ast, A.Szogi 9+4reb+5ast, A.Helmeczi 8+4reb+3ast, Z.Wehner 2+3reb

gschID: 146789

FS Debrecen - Atomeromu 92-101 OTThe guests trailed by 5 points after three quarters before their 27-22 charge, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time and get a 9-point victory in overtime. Atomeromu made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was international swingman David Vojvoda (191-90, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) who scored 26 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. point guard Akos Kovacs (184-88, agency: TSS Management) chipped in 24 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. American point guard Justin Ingram (185-85, college: Toledo, agency: Two Points) produced 29 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists (was perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line !!!) and power forward Miklos Szabo (206-86, college: Hofstra) added 18 points and 21 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Top scorers:Atomeromu: D.Vojvoda 26+9reb+4ast, A.Kovacs 24+6reb+5ast, A.Toth 14+1reb+3ast, T.Frost 13+5reb+2ast, T.Kaman 12+7reb+2ast, F.Morgen 9+2reb+1astFS Debrecen: J.Ingram 29+6reb+6ast, M.Schachtner 24+6reb+2ast, D.Moore 19+7reb+1ast, M.Szabo 18+21reb, I.Kovacs 2, V.Vas 0

gschID: 146790

Kaposvari - Kecskemeti 62-59Kecskemeti was trailing by 1 point at halftime but managed to get 3-point lead after three quarters before a 17-11 charge of Kaposvari, which allowed them to win the game. Kecskemeti was plagued by 29 personal fouls down the stretch. American guard Nikolas Raivio (192-86, college: Portland, agency: Priority Sports) had a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import forward Charles Gosa (202-77, college: N.Mexico St.) chipped in 8 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. The former international guard Krisztian Wittmann (185-85, agency: FCM) responded with 20 points and 4 assists and Serbian swingman Marko Derasimovic (200-84) scored 15 points. Top scorers:Kaposvari: N.Raivio 22+10reb+1ast, J.Lekli 11+5reb, K.Ahelegbe 8+2ast, C.Gosa 8+5reb+3ast, G.David 8+7reb, K.Kiss 3+1rebKecskemeti: K.Wittmann 20+4reb+4ast, M.Derasimovic 15+4reb+1ast, M.Csorvasi 11+3reb, Z.Bencze 7+10reb, M.Meszaros 4+4reb, I.Pap 2

gschID: 146791

Szedeak - ZTE KK 91-77Rather predictable result in Szeged where eleventh ranked Szedeak (8-18) defeated bottom-ranked ZTE KK (1-25) 91-77 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Szedeak. ZTE KK was better in third quarter 26-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Serbian forward Tomislav Ivosev (204-90) scored 24 points and 8 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and American guard Jonathan Levy (193-82, college: CS San Bernar.) chipped in 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists during the contest. Five Szedeak players scored in double figures. Szedeak's coach used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. American power forward Esian Henderson (204-86, college: Central Mo.) responded with 25 points and 5 rebounds and his fellow American import swingman Tim Whitworth (198-81, college: Drexel, agency: Limelight Hoops) scored 18 points and 6 rebounds. Top scorers:Szedeak: T.Ivosev 24+8reb+3ast, J.Levy 21+5reb+5ast, A.Tanacs 13+4reb, Z.Kiss 12+2reb+1ast, N.Dukic 10+6reb, I.Nyilas 8+2reb+1astZTE KK: E.Henderson 25+5reb+1ast, T.Whitworth 18+6reb+3ast, D.Gaspar 16+1reb+5ast, G.Toth 8+3reb, A.Vertetics 6+4reb+7ast, G.Kinter 4+5reb+1ast

Guard Arki Wisnu (187-G-88) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for top-ranked Satria Muda, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 50.The 23-year old player got a double-double of 18 points and 10 assists, while his team beat Satya Wacana (#11, 4-27) 76-69. It allowed Satria Muda to take over top position in the Indonesian NBL. Satria Muda have a solid 26-4 record. Wisnu turned to be Satria Muda's top player in his first season with the team. Arki Wisnu has solid league stats. He is in league's top in points (4th best: 13.9ppg) and rebounds (9th best: 6.6rpg).

The second best player in last round's games was 30-year old Nico Fritzgerald (186-SF-81) of Garuda. Fritzgerald had a very good evening with 12 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Of course he lead Garuda to another comfortable win outscoring the lower-ranked NSH GMC Riau (#12, 1-29) 73-33. This victory allowed Garuda to move up to 3rd position in the standings. His team's 24-7 record is not bad at all. Fritzgerald is a newcomer at Garuda and despite he is not a team leader yet, every game he becomes more reliable player. Hopefully performances like the last one will happen more often.

Third on the list of top players last round was another Satria Muda's star - international Christian Ronaldo Sitepu (200-C/F-86). Sitepu scored 18 points and grabbed six rebounds. He was another key player of Satria Muda, helping his team with a 76-69 win against the lower-ranked Satya Wacana (#11, 4-27). Satria Muda confirms their top position in the standings Sitepu has a great season in Indonesia. After 29 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 7.4rpg (6th best).

The Player of the week is chosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

The Regular Season in NBL is almost over. There are only 3 rounds left.

Sixth-ranked Muba Hangtuah (17-14) made lots of trouble for first ranked Satria Muda (27-4) in Pandang on Thursday. The visitors from Jakarta managed to secure only two-point victory 69-67. However their fans expected much easier game. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Muba Hangtuah won third quarter 18-10. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Satria Muda made 9 blocks. The best player for the winners was guard Arki Wisnu (187-88) who scored 10 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. The former international point guard Faisal Julius Ahmad (179-81) chipped in 16 points. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Agustinus Sigar (180-79) who recorded 21 points. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Satria Muda have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain first place with 27-4 record. Muba Hangtuah at the other side keeps the sixth position with 14 games lost. They share it with Stadium Jak.. Satria Muda will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Muba Hangtuah will play on the road against Pacific Caesar (#9) in Surabaya and is hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win. Very important is a home loss of second ranked Aspac (26-6) against fourth ranked Pelita Jaya (24-7) on Thursday night. Host Aspac was crushed by Pelita Jaya in Jakarta 66-44. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Aspac. It was a good game for center Fidyan Dini (195-83) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds. Andi Poedjakesuma contributed with 11 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Fandi Andika Ramadhani (184-85) answered with 17 points and 5 rebounds for Aspac. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Pelita Jaya have an impressive series of six victories in a row. Defending champion moved-up to third place, which they share with Garuda. Aspac at the other side keeps the second position with six games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest. Twelfth-ranked NSH GMC Riau (1-30) made lots of trouble for eighth ranked Bima Sakti (11-19) on Thursday. Bima Sakti managed to secure only three-point victory 70-67. However their fans expected much easier game. It was a great evening for Yanuar Dwi Priasmoro who led his team to a victory scoring 22 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. The best for the losing side was Boy Damanik with 19 points and 9 rebounds. NSH GMC Riau's coach Tri Adnyanaadi rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Bima Sakti maintains eighth place with 11-19 record. NSH GMC Riau lost their twentieth seventh game in a row. They stay dead last with 30 lost games. Bima Sakti will meet higher ranked Garuda (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. NSH GMC Riau will have a break next round. The game with biggest result difference took place in Jakarta. Local Stadium Jakarta (17-14) outscored 10th ranked Comfort Mobile (6-26) 95-43. It was a quality performance for Merio Ferdiansyah who led the winners and scored 29 points and 5 rebounds. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Stadium Jakarta moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Muba Hangtuah. Comfort Mobile lost their fourth game in a row. They keep the tenth position with 26 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

Very important is a home loss of second ranked Aspac (26-6) against fourth ranked Pelita Jaya (24-7) on Thursday night. Host Aspac was crushed by Pelita Jaya in Jakarta 66-44. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Aspac. The game without a history. Pelita Jaya led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Aspac to just 7 points in first and third quarters. Pelita Jaya held Aspac to an opponent 24.2 percent shooting from the field compared to 44.4 percent accuracy of the winners. It was a good game for center Fidyan Dini (195-83) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds. The former international forward Andi Poedjakesuma (187-80) contributed with 11 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Fandi Andika Ramadhani (184-85) answered with 17 points and 5 rebounds and forward Pringgo Regowo (190-87) added 5 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Aspac. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Pelita Jaya have an impressive series of six victories in a row. Defending champion moved-up to third place, which they share with Garuda. Aspac at the other side keeps the second position with six games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest. Top scorers:Pelita Jaya: F.Dini 16+11reb+1ast, A.Poedjakesuma 11+5reb+1ast, A.Chandra 9+5reb+1ast, V.Palopo 8+2reb, E.Sebayang 7+1reb+1ast, D.Aryo Dewanto 6+2reb+2astAspac: F.Andika Ramadhani 17+5reb+1ast, S.Harun Nurman 10+3reb, P.Regowo 5+10reb, K.Akbar 4+3reb, R.Effendi 3+1reb, O.Abraham Trisakti 3+5reb+4ast

The game with biggest result difference took place in Jakarta. Local Stadium Jakarta (17-14) outscored 10th ranked Comfort Mobile (6-26) 95-43. The game without a history. Stadium Jakarta led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Comfort Mobile to just 4 points in second quarter and to 11 points in first half. Stadium Jakarta forced 23 Comfort Mobile turnovers and outrebounded them 42-21 including a 33-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. Stadium Jakarta shot the lights out from three nailing 12 long-distance shots on high 57.1 percentage. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. They brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. 25 personal fouls committed by Comfort Mobile helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a quality performance for Merio Ferdiansyah (176-85) who led the winners and scored 29 points and 5 rebounds. point guard Chandra Nurhadi Yusran (173-83) accounted for 13 points, 8 assists and 4 steals for the winning side. Johanis Ingutali (194-87) came up with 16 points and guard Haritsa Herlusdityo (180-89) added 5 points respectively for Comfort Mobile in the defeat. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Stadium Jakarta moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Muba Hangtuah. Comfort Mobile lost their fourth game in a row. They keep the tenth position with 26 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest. Top scorers:Stadium Jak.: M.Ferdiansyah 29+5reb+2ast, C.Nurhadi Yusran 13+4reb+8ast, E.Hadi 10+3reb, R.Ariestedes 9+1reb, D.Leonardo 7+2reb+1ast, R.Ruslan 7+4reb+1astComfort Mobile: J.Ingutali 16+3reb+2ast, H.Herlusdityo 5+2reb+2ast, A.Hermawan 4+1reb, H.Kurniawan 4+1reb+1ast, R.Rudini 4+1reb+1ast, S.Afriatna 2

Twelfth-ranked NSH GMC Riau (1-30) made lots of trouble for eighth ranked Bima Sakti (11-19) on Thursday. Bima Sakti managed to secure only three-point victory 70-67. However their fans expected much easier game. The hosts trailed by 4 points after three quarters before their 22-15 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Bima Sakti forced 21 NSH GMC Riau turnovers. Strangely NSH GMC Riau outrebounded Bima Sakti 43-28 including 29 on the defensive glass. It was a great evening for Yanuar Dwi Priasmoro (178-89) who led his team to a victory scoring 22 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. point guard Denny Sartika (175-80) helped adding 4 points and 12 assists. The best for the losing side was power forward Boy Damanik (192-76) with 19 points and 9 rebounds and Reza Israelli (182-82) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds. NSH GMC Riau's coach Tri Adnyanaadi rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Bima Sakti maintains eighth place with 11-19 record. NSH GMC Riau lost their twentieth seventh game in a row. They stay dead last with 30 lost games. Bima Sakti will meet higher ranked Garuda (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. NSH GMC Riau will have a break next round. Top scorers:Bima Sakti: Y.Dwi Priasmoro 22+5reb+5ast, B.Rizky Ardiansyah 13+6reb, G.Virgian 9+1reb, U.Gendro Maryono 6+2reb, S.Cahyadi 6+3reb, H.Gunawan 6+5rebNSH GMC Riau: B.Damanik 19+9reb+1ast, R.Israelli 16+10reb+1ast, R.Febriyan 13+7reb+1ast, A.Amier 6+8reb, N.Fadhilah 4+2reb, I.Husnuzan 4+3reb+5ast

Sixth-ranked Muba Hangtuah (17-14) made lots of trouble for first ranked Satria Muda (27-4) in Pandang on Thursday. The visitors from Jakarta managed to secure only two-point victory 69-67. However their fans expected much easier game. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Muba Hangtuah won third quarter 18-10. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Satria Muda made 9 blocks. The best player for the winners was guard Arki Wisnu (187-88) who scored 10 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. The former international point guard Faisal Julius Ahmad (179-81) chipped in 16 points. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Agustinus Sigar (180-79) who recorded 21 points and forward Ary Sapto (188-80) added 8 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists respectively. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Satria Muda have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain first place with 27-4 record. Muba Hangtuah at the other side keeps the sixth position with 14 games lost. They share it with Stadium Jak.. Satria Muda will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Muba Hangtuah will play on the road against Pacific Caesar (#9) in Surabaya and is hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win. Top scorers:Satria Muda: F.Julius Ahmad 16+2reb+3ast, W.Situmorang 11+7reb+1ast, A.Wisnu 10+7reb+6ast, V.Michel 8+5reb, C.Ronaldo Sitepu 8+5reb+2ast, B.Siregar 6+2astMuba Hangtuah: A.Sigar 21+3reb, D.Heryadi 11+3reb+2ast, M.Joni 9+8reb+1ast, R.Santo Yunarto 9+4reb+3ast, A.Sapto 8+10reb+5ast, A.Prasetyo 7+3reb

Another bad news for Bennet Cantu. After injury troubles with Gianluca Basile (192-G-75), Vladimir Micov (203-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) and Marko Scekic (207-F/C-81, agency: Beo Basket), the Italian squad stays without Giorgi Shermadini (216-C-89) due to fractured foot. He will be sidelined for one month. Shermadini appeared 22 times in SerieA this season averaging 9 points and 5.2 rebounds. He participated at the SerieA All-Star Game. Shermadini also played 16 games in Euroleague registering 10.9 ppg and 5.5 rpg. Giorgi Shermadini spent last season with Union Olimpija. It was a loan from Panathinaikos, where Sherma played from 2008 to 2010. In the past, Giorgi Shermadini played for Maccabi Tbilisi and was the best player in Georgia. In their last season together he had 33.5 ppg, 18.4 rpg, 4.8 apg, 2.3 spg and 3.3 bpg for 20 games in Highest League. Giorgi Shermadini got injured during the Wednesday practice.

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JORDAN

JPL (Final 4) :Orthodox aims high with their New TRIO - by Omar Shafaamri

Jordanian Basketball deep-rooted club Orthodox reinforced it's Roster with 3 new players ; CBA China Stars Daghles Osama (198-G-79, college: Midwestern St.) & Zaid Abbas (203-F-83) and the Jordanian/Turkish Guard Hasan Sinan Sen (93) preparing for the JPL Final 4 Campaign in which they started today winning over ASU 79-78 in a very tight game at ASU Home Court.

Sinan played for the Junior Team of Karsiyaka Club in TBL Turkish League (highest Division in Turkey) and represented the Men Team in one game in 2010/2011 Season which was against one of the best teams in Turkish Basketball Besiktas Club lead by Ex-NBA Star Allen Iverson (Hasan played 29 Minutes making 3 Rebs, 1 Assist, 1 Steal & 1 Block) , after that Game Sinan left the Team to attend his New University in Turkey, now he is planning to start a new trip with Orthodox Club.

There was no surprise in the 24 round of BKT Superliga. Trepca has demolished the Kosova Vushtrri team by winning 107 - 51. Drilon Hajrizi scored 18 points, while Jaleel Nelson added 17 more to gave the chance to the young players in the end. At Kosovas team the only ones that were trying to do more where former Trepca player Besmir Nuli (185-PG-91) and Korab Prekazi.

Bashkimi passed very hardly Kolegji Univers test. They won only after college boys couldnt score in last three actions while the result was 93 92 in oranges favor. Rolando Little and Samir Shaptahovic were the only shining lights in Naser Oskaceks team.

Sigal Prishtina and Peja played great open games against Futura and Drita, respectively. After this gameweek Trepca is still leading the championship with one victory more than reigning champions Sigal Prishtina. But, in coming round Trepca will visit champions, and if they could get this game without defeat they will guarantee the first place in classification before the play-offs.

Flames Burn Mogars 80 - 74 Points After Extra Time in LBA National League - by Eurobasket News

Have Cestos Mogars reached declining avenue in the Liberia Basketball Association (LBA) national league? This will probably be a tough question to answer, especially for a team that have won five of six games against Commissioners, NPA Pythons, Mighty Barrolle, Uhuru Kings and SOS Trotters.

It was a game that pitted two friends: Malcolm Joseph and Zoegar Jaynes on a dramatic evening at the Sports Commission on Broad Street. Mogars fought against all odds before losing to Flames by 74 to 80 points after extra time in a first division clash on March 17.

It was a high tempo match with both coaches and officials shouting and or screaming throughout the game. Mogars took a commanding lead in the first quarter, 15 to 8 points, before Flames narrowly won the second quarter by 19 to 18 points.

Back from the half time break, both teams were leveled at 16 points after the third quarter but a host of Mogars replacements changed the game for the worst and they lost the last quarter by 16 to 22 points.

Their blushes was partly spared with two seconds to go as captain Alvin Kulah was fouled when he raced towards basket and referee Solomon Johnson signaled for three free throws, footballs version of a penalty.

Had Kulah gotten all, his team would have probably won the match by 65 to 64 points. Having scored two of the three throws, referee Johnson was compelled to signal for five extra minutes because there is no drawn game in the basketball world.

Flames won the extra period by 15 to 9 points, making the final score 80 to 74 points. But Kulah, who partly blamed their defeat to fatigue, was full of praises for his opponents.

Actually, Flames did well. They played well and their tactics were informed. It was more physical. We played well but I think my team had a little bit of fatigue because we were doing physical these few days. I think that is where our fault came from. But we will come back with a lot of force, he stated.

For a team that took on such a form by cutting some big trees that came their way, Kulah believes there are no minnows in the league.

[IMG]/images/stories/flames-mogars2.jpg[/IMG]

Honestly, basketball is a different kind of game. Every team in this league is a first division team. So no team is bigger than its friend. Flames played hard. Flames beat Uhuru Kings so they are a hard team too.'

They did well by winning and we must congratulate them for that. But we can assure the federation and our friends that we are coming back with force and we will do our best to qualify \[for the championship finals], he warned. Flames Head Coach Weekee Doe took over the team on the day of the match and no wonder why his voice was the loudest from the dugout.

Well, the kids have potential. They played good basketball. They are young and they have energy. We just need to impact the technical know-how in them. For sure, the fans can expect something better from me.

Obviously, basketball is a tough game especially for our kids. This is an amateur league. We have to keep them on their heels. You cant be quiet as a coach. You must keep them on their heels to make them to do what you told them to do, he justified.

In the early games, Don Bosco Legends forfeited to Ducor Magic, meaning the latter received free 20 points without bouncing a ball while Timberwolves beat Harbel Pointers by 49 to 42 points. Timber won the first, second and third quarters by 6 to 4, 11 to 9 and 16 to 9 points before losing the last quarter by 16 to 20 points.

But Timberwolves had to play the remaining part of the game without coach Jimmy Lee, who was ejected from the gym in the second quarter. Captain T. Wynstin Williams had to resume the coaching responsibility of the team.

On March 16, St. Paul Crushers lost 38 - 47 points to Uhuru Prince in game one while Bardnersville Celtics went down by 39 to 44 points to Heats in game two. In the last game, Mighty Barrolle struggled to beat Cardinals by 69 to 67 points in the first division.Courtesy of: http://www.frontpageafricaonline.com

Sky Force End Oilers Unbeaten Run of 31 Matches in LBA National League - by Eurobasket News

What an epic end it was at the Sports Commission on Broad Street on March 24?

The good or bad news, depending on who you are, was that Monrovia Sky Force ended LPRC Oilers unbeaten run of 31 matches in the Liberia Basketball Association (LBA) national league.

Who would have thought that the sensational Oil Boys, impressive from last season, would have fallen in such manner or form?

But Sky Force refreshed the Ecclesiastic verse of there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens by beating Oilers by 56-53 points in a first division pairing at a relatively packed gymnasium on Broad Street.

Oilers who dressed George Pennoh, the only change to the team that narrowly beat Mighty Barrolle, won the first quarter by 13-10 points.

Deputy coach Musa Kamara rejuvenated his Sky Force team to win the second and third quarters by 14 to 10 points and 15 to 12 points respectively.

Oilers, who appeared complacent and confident from the onset, knew time was running out but could do little to win the last quarter by 18-17 points and let go their 31-game unbeaten record.

Coach Kamara had promised to respect his opponents in a press match interview and this victory will go down memory lane in his coaching career. Earlier, Timberwolves whipped Supreme Brothers by 42 to 38 points while Harbel Pointers punished Sac-Base with a 59-57 victory.

On March 25, Uhuru Kings brightened their chances for the big eight by edging past Barrolle by 60 to 59 points in a competitive game in the first division.

The Kings lost the first quarter by 11 to 15 points but won the second quarter by 14 to 10 points.

They lost the third quarter by 10 to 15 points before bouncing back to win the last quarter by 25 to 19 points with a last dashed basket.

Before that thriller, Cardinals couldnt withstand the heat of Flames, going down by 47- 52 points in another first division pairing.

Flames won the first, third and last quarters, which could have proven vital had it not been for the narrowest of margin.

Earlier, C-Deltas lost to rivals K-Deltas by 36-39 points in a female showdown. On March 26, Bardnersville Celtics dragged Island Dragon by 48-36 points.Courtesy of: frontpageafricaonline.com

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MADAGASCAR

Teams to play U 22 championships are known - by Eurobasket News

The qualifiers for the Malagasy U 22 basketball championship ended over the weekend with the qualification of men and women teams of Analamanga, 'Atsinanana, Boeny and Diana.

At the end of the qualifiers, the president of the federation, Jean Michel Ramaroson, was happy that almost all the regions of the country will be represented at the final phase of the championship.

He said that this competition will permit all the regions, enclave or not, to contribute in the future of Malagasy basketball.

Round 16 in CIBACOPA means a new league leader. The biggest surprise took place in Guasave where host Frayles de Guasave (7-9) beat league's leader Rayos de Hermosillo (12-4) 90-86 on Wednesday evening. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Rayos de Hermosillo. The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Frayles de Guasave made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Frayles de Guasave made 7 blocks. American forward Sylvester Spicer (198-F-86, college: Rogers St.) fired a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. The former international swingman Alonso Izaguirre (200-76) chipped in 15 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international forward Jesus Lopez (205-83, college: SW Baptist) produced a double-double by scoring 20 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for lost side. Rayos de Hermosillo's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Frayles de Guasave moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Cananea and Culiacan. Rayos de Hermosillo at the other side still keeps top position with four games lost. They were joined at the leadership position by Guaymas who have the same record. Rayos de Hermosillo will play next round against Garra Canera de Navolato trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Frayles de Guasave will try to continue on its current victory against first ranked Ostioneros de Guaymas at home. Important game to mention about took place in Tijuana. Third ranked Ostioneros de Guaymas (12-4) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging their biggest opponent Tijuana Zonkeys (11-4) 75-72 on Wednesday evening. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Tijuana Zonkeys. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The game was dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Haakim Johnson (201-87, college: Pikeville) who helped to win the game recording 12 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Jerome Habel contributed with 13 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Power forward Cyrus Tate (203-85, college: Iowa, agency: Edge Sports) replied with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds for Tijuana Zonkeys. Tijuana Zonkeys' coach let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Ostioneros de Guaymas keep a position of league leader, which they share with Hermosillo. Tijuana Zonkeys at the other side dropped to the third place with four games lost. Ostioneros de Guaymas will play against Frayles de Guasave (#7) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Tijuana Zonkeys will play against Mineros de Cananea (#6) and hope to get back on the winning track. Bottom-ranked Coras de Tepic (0-15) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 81-65 loss to sixth ranked Caballeros de Culiacan (7-9) in Culiacan on Wednesday evening. Worth to mention a great performance of Rob Robinson who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 26 points and 12 rebounds. Caballeros de Culiacan's coach Jonathan Meza used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side Mychal Henderson responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 12 rebounds. Caballeros de Culiacan have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Guasave and Cananea. Loser Coras de Tepic still closes the standings with 15 games lost. Caballeros de Culiacan will meet higher ranked Fuerza Guinda Nogales (#4) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Coras de Tepic will have a break next round. Pioneros Los Mochis (6-10) survived in overtime against Mineros de Cananea (7-9) by two points 97-95. The winners were led by Brandon Wiley who had that evening a double-double by scoring 20 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks. Pioneros Los Mochis moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Navolato. Defending champion Mineros de Cananea keeps the fifth position with nine games lost. Pioneros Los Mochis' next round opponent will be Garra Canera de Navolato (#8) at home. Mineros de Cananea will play against Tijuana Zonkeys and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Pioneros Los Mochis (6-10) survived in overtime against Mineros de Cananea (7-9) by two points 97-95. Mineros de Cananea was tied at the half and again at the end of regular time. But they could not keep up in overtime eventually losing that period 6-6. Pioneros Los Mochis made 27-of-35 charity shots (77.1 percent) during the game. Pioneros Los Mochis outrebounded Mineros de Cananea 44-31 including 20 on the offensive glass. The winners were led by American forward Brandon Wiley (198-88, college: Idaho) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 20 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks and Bahamas forward Rashad Moss (203-86, college: UALR) supported him with 24 points and 7 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Even a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds by American guard Roburt Sallie (196-86, college: Memphis) did not help to save the game for Mineros de Cananea. His fellow American import forward Derek Thomas (193-84, college: Appalachian St.) added 17 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for lost side. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Pioneros Los Mochis moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Navolato. Defending champion Mineros de Cananea keeps the fifth position with nine games lost. Pioneros Los Mochis' next round opponent will be Garra Canera de Navolato (#8) at home. Mineros de Cananea will play against Tijuana Zonkeys and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers:Los Mochis: R.Moss 24+7reb+2ast, B.Wiley 20+11reb+3ast, J.Favela 19+6reb+2ast, E.Cuen 15+8reb+5ast, T.Taylor 11+10reb+6ast, F.Ibarra 6+2reb+1astCananea: R.Sallie 23+10reb, D.Thomas 17+7reb+5ast, K.Waller 16+2reb, F.Harris 14+4reb+7ast, J.Arturo Farrera Chantiri 10+2reb, A.Mojardin 6+2reb

Important game to mention about took place in Tijuana. Third ranked Ostioneros de Guaymas (12-4) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging their biggest opponent Tijuana Zonkeys (11-4) 75-72 on Wednesday evening. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Tijuana Zonkeys. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The guests started the game with a very strong first quarter 27-16. But Tijuana Zonkeys won second period 25-22. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Haakim Johnson (201-87, college: Pikeville) who helped to win the game recording 12 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Forward Jerome Habel (208-85, college: San Diego St.) contributed with 13 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Power forward Cyrus Tate (203-85, college: Iowa, agency: Edge Sports) replied with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds and forward Darnell Hugee (201-85, college: Prairie View A&M) added 20 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for Tijuana Zonkeys. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Tijuana Zonkeys' coach let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Ostioneros de Guaymas keep a position of league leader, which they share with Hermosillo. Tijuana Zonkeys at the other side dropped to the third place with four games lost. Ostioneros de Guaymas will play against Frayles de Guasave (#7) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Tijuana Zonkeys will play against Mineros de Cananea (#6) and hope to get back on the winning track. Top scorers:Guaymas: J.Habel 13+9reb+3ast, A.Pedroza 12, H.Johnson 12+8reb+6ast, F.Benitez 12+6reb+1ast, H.Nungaray 9+3reb+2ast, J.Sanchez 7Tijuana: C.Tate 22+11reb+3ast, D.Hugee 20+9reb+1ast, O.Quintero 15+5reb+2ast, M.Morrison 11+5reb, E.Medina 3+2reb+3ast, J.Cardoso 1+1reb

Bottom-ranked Coras de Tepic (0-15) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 81-65 loss to sixth ranked Caballeros de Culiacan (7-9) in Culiacan on Wednesday evening. The hosts trailed by 8 points after first quarter, but they stormed back winning two of next three quarters and won the game by 16 points. Caballeros de Culiacan dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Coras de Tepic's 38. Caballeros de Culiacan forced 23 Coras de Tepic turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Rob Robinson (203-87, college: Robert Morris, agency: SDJ Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 26 points and 12 rebounds and Ricardo Lopez who added 13 points during the contest. Five Caballeros de Culiacan players scored in double figures. Caballeros de Culiacan's coach Jonathan Meza used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side American swingman Mychal Henderson (198-85, college: Ks Wesleyan) responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 12 rebounds and his fellow American import center Deangelo Riley (205, college: Azusa Pacific) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 14 rebounds. Caballeros de Culiacan have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Guasave and Cananea. Loser Coras de Tepic still closes the standings with 15 games lost. Caballeros de Culiacan will meet higher ranked Fuerza Guinda Nogales (#4) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Coras de Tepic will have a break next round. Top scorers:Culiacan: R.Robinson 26+12reb, R.Lopez 13+4reb+3ast, V.Avila 10+5reb, R.Zamora 10+7reb+2ast, R.Navarro 10+2reb+3ast, L.Lopez 7+1astTepic: M.Henderson 19+12reb+2ast, L.Morinia 16+5reb+2ast, D.Riley 13+14reb+3ast, M.Ayala 8+1reb+1ast, S.Lugo 4+1reb+1ast, H.Torres 2

Round 16 in CIBACOPA means a new league leader. The biggest surprise took place in Guasave where host Frayles de Guasave (7-9) beat league's leader Rayos de Hermosillo (12-4) 90-86 on Wednesday evening. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Rayos de Hermosillo. The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Frayles de Guasave made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Frayles de Guasave made 7 blocks. American forward Sylvester Spicer (198-86, college: Rogers St.) fired a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. The former international swingman Alonso Izaguirre (200-76) chipped in a double-double by scoring 15 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international forward Jesus Lopez (205-83, college: SW Baptist) produced a double-double by scoring 20 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists and American center Sam Coleman (208-87, college: Coppin St.) added 14 points and 11 rebounds respectively for lost side. Five Frayles de Guasave and four Rayos de Hermosillo players scored in double figures. Rayos de Hermosillo's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Frayles de Guasave moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Cananea and Culiacan. Rayos de Hermosillo at the other side still keeps top position with four games lost. They were joined at the leadership position by Guaymas who have the same record. Rayos de Hermosillo will play next round against Garra Canera de Navolato trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Frayles de Guasave will try to continue on its current victory against first ranked Ostioneros de Guaymas at home. Top scorers:Guasave: S.Spicer 18+12reb+3ast, C.Moore 17+8reb+2ast, R.Carter 16+3reb+5ast, A.Izaguirre 15+10reb+4ast, V.Buelna 13+3reb+4ast, G.Giron 11+6reb+2astHermosillo: J.Lopez 20+10reb+4ast, P.Sanders 15+2reb, S.Coleman 14+11reb+1ast, E.Little 14+8reb+3ast, J.Camacho 10+1ast, S.Monreal 9+3reb+6ast

The third edition of the International Universities basketball tournament will be held in Casablanca from the 7-13 April in Casablanca with five countries taking part.The event is organized by the Moroccan association TIBU Maroc in collaboration with the Moroccan ministry of youths and sports and the Federation Royale Maroccaine de Basketball, the Fdration royale marocaine du sport universitaire and the US embassy in Rabat. The tournament will see the participation of teams from France, Guinea, Germany, Lebanon as well as the hosts, Morocco.Courtesy of: StarAfrica.com

Boston's Paul Pierce (6'7''-F/G-77, college: Kansas) and Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) have been named the NBA Players of the Month for games played in March.

Pierce, who led the Celtics to a 12-5 record during that span, averaged 22.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists in March. He also played his 1,000th game with the Celtics against Portland on March 9, becoming the 16th player in NBA history to play in 1,000 games for a single franchise.

Durant guided the Thunder to an 11-5 mark in the month to capture his second straight Player of the Month honor. In March, he ranked second in the league in scoring at 27.6 points per game. Durant also had averages of 8.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists. The highlight of his month was a 40-point, 17-rebound effort in a 149-140 double overtime win against Minnesota on March 23.

It is commonplace in competitive sports to always fight for the #1 spot in your division, conference, league, and in everything. But with only a few weeks remaining in the regular season, and with the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat separated by only one game in the loss column, you have to start looking at possible playoff matchups. Nobody is going to be worried about the first round. Currently, the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers are pretty much locked into the 7 and 8 seeds in the playoffs, and neither are as much a threat as they seemed a month ago. For the Knicks, their great play has become less consistent and point guard Jeremy Lin and power forward Amare Stoudemire are both out possibly for the rest of the year. The 76ers have completely nose-dived in the standings. After leading the Atlantic Division for much of the year, the 76ers have been as inconsistent a team as there is right now. They're 4-6 in their last 10 games, and are 10-14 on the road this year. The Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat wouldn't need more than 5 games to dismantle either of these teams.

The second round is where things get interesting. Although the Celtics have only the 6th best record in the East right now, they lead their division, and therefore would be the #4 seed in the playoffs. The Celtics are as hot as anybody right now, and their stars are well-rested and playing at high levels. With a likely matchup against Orlando or Atlanta in the first round, the Celtics could very well find themselves in the second round against the #1 seed in the East. The Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat shouldn't want to be the team waiting for Boston. No, Boston isn't better than either of those teams, but they are more experienced. Would I pick the Celtics in a 7-game series over Miami or Chicago? Probably not. But whoever gets the Celtics are going to be in store for a tough, long, physical battle that could affect them in later rounds. By securing the #2 seed, the second round opponent would most likely be Indiana, who has had a great season, but who isn't quite ready to do real damage in the postseason.

When it comes to the Eastern Conference Finals, the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat have both proved that they can win on the road, especially Chicago. The series will come down to efficiency of its stars and late-game execution more than to what city the game is being played in. I know that teams won't tank for a 2-seed, but if your team happened to fall to #2, take it as a blessing in disguise.

Why Heat's Win Over Thunder Could Be Bad News for Competition - by Miguel Rivera

In a game that saw big hits, intense D, and a lot of 'no-calls', the Miami Heat won the most playoff-like game of the regular season, and against the West-best Oklahoma City Thunder. Yes, the game was in Miami, where the Heat have the league's best record and longest winning-streak, but one would be a statement for whichever team came out on top. For the Thunder, it would've capped a season-sweep on the defending Eastern Conference champs; it would have cemented their place as arguably the best team in basketball, and would've handed Kevin Durant his first MVP trophy at season's end. But something else happened last night, and its something that could frighten the rest of the league.

The knock on the Heat this season, and really throughout the life of the Big 3, was that they couldn't thrive in a half-court style game. We all know how explosive the team can be in transition, and as one of the top defensive units there would always be opportunities to run, but what about when the pace had to slow down and it really became a playoff-type game? The Heat showed in last night's 4th quarter (a quarter in which neither team scored more than 20 points), that they were physical enough, mentally tough enough, and had the stuff to hit shots when needed and make stops when necessary. Their halfcourt offense was patient enough to look for the best shot, and they crashed the boards hard enough to allow for second chances, while also taking time off of the clock. And even though they weren't getting a lot of foul calls, they were still attacking the basket with enough authority to get to the line 27 times, knocking down 24 of them.

If the Heat continue to play like this, where they can win games that don't reach triple-digits, and play in the half-court, then there will be no excuse for them not to win a championship...and for years to come.

In order for Dwight Howard (6'11''-C-85) to sign a contract extension this summer with the Orlando Magic, team owners will have to fire head coach Stan Van Gundy, as well as his coaching staff, sources close to the team and the NBA told Local 6 Sports Director David Pingalore.

Pingalore's sources confirmed the talk has been 'amping' up in recent weeks. According to the sources, the probability of Van Gundy's staff to be released from their final year of the contract is very high.

The sources confirm that if Van Gundy and his staff are fired, the Magic will use the exclamation that they 'just couldn't win in a timely fashion.'

Pingalore's Magic sources confirm that Howard continues to convey to team owners that he wants a change in the coaching staff.

There was an ESPN.com report before the trade deadline that Howard told the Magic to fire Van Gundy. Both parties denied that rumor.

But as one league source told Pingalore, firing Van Gundy will not come as a surprise to people that work in the NBA and that it would come from the direction of Howard.

The league source did say this is pretty much a done deal based on Howard's demands, and the Magic are already putting pieces together to make a decision after the season.

However, one Magic player who did not want his named used said that there is still is a possibility that Van Gundy could return.

The Lakers continue to include center Andrew Bynum (7'0''-C-87, agency: David Lee services) in their future plans despite acknowledging displeasure with some of his recent on-court transgressions.

'Sometimes with young players I get disappointed and sometimes I'm pleasantly surprised,' Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak said Tuesday in an interview with The Times. 'Andrew continues to have a mix of good moments and maybe not-so-good moments. But he's very bright, a really intelligent kid.'

Kupchak said he 'absolutely' envisioned Bynum with the Lakers down the road.

'Despite some of the events of the last week or two, nothing has changed about our forward approach with Andrew,' Kupchak said.

Kupchak told The Times last month that the Lakers plan to exercise the $16.1-million option they hold on Bynum's contract next season. They have until June 30 to do so.

After next season, however, Bynum becomes a free agent unless the Lakers sign him to an extension. Negotiations have not begun, though there is not a pressing deadline.

'He's the starting center on the West All-Star team. Why wouldn't we do everything we could to keep him here?' Kupchak told The Times last month. 'We're ecstatic to have him on the team.'

As The Times reported Sunday, Bynum was fined an undisclosed sum for events last week surrounding the Golden State game.

He was benched by Coach Mike Brown in that game for taking an ill-advised three-point attempt and said afterward he wouldn't hesitate to keep taking them.

After last Saturday's narrow victory over New Orleans, Bynum said he didnt take part in team huddles during time-outs because he was resting and 'getting my Zen on.'

Kupchak met face-to-face with Bynum last week but did not specify what they discussed.

'I'm just going to decline to rehash stuff that happened,' Kupchak said. 'Our position is we dealt with it internally.'

Bynum, 24, is in his seventh NBA season. He was an All-Star for the first time and was averaging career-highs across the board before spraining his left ankle Sunday in a more recent game against Golden State.

Brown said Bynum would be a game-time decision Tuesday against New Jersey, but a more important date for his return would be Wednesday against the Clippers.

The Lakers and Clippers have split two games this season, and Wednesday is the last time they play each other in the regular season.

The head-to-head tiebreaker is at stake Wednesday, in case the teams tie in the standings. The Clippers are also trying to win the season series against the Lakers for the first time since 1992-93.

Bynum was averaging 18.3 points and 12.1 rebounds before leaving Sunday's game in the first quarter after an awkward landing on his ankle.

Did the New York Knicks try to pump up sales of playoff tickets by hiding the news that Jeremy Lin (6'3''-PG-88, college: Harvard) had suffered a season-ending knee injury?

That's the accusation leveled by Frank Isola of the New York Daily News.

Isola points out that Lin had an MRI that showed he had a torn meniscus in his left knee two days before the March 28 deadline for season-ticket holders to buy playoff tickets. And such cartilage tears almost always require surgery.

Isola's column also notes that an e-mail was sent to fans with a picture of Lin leaping in celebration.

Lin didn't announce his decision to have surgery until Saturday. But the question of who knew what about Lin's injury arose last Friday when interim Knicks coach Mike Woodson said he had 'no idea' when Lin would be able to return. Woodson also said it was possible Lin wouldn't make it back this season.

Isola writes that within an hour of Woodson's comments the Knicks' media relations staff put out a statement contradicting the coach.

The Knicks are 2 1/2 games ahead of Milwaukee for the final Eastern Conference playoff berth, with 13 games to go.

UPDATE AT 5:15 ET: The Madison Square Garden Co., parent company of the Knicks, has issued this statement:

'Today's Daily News story is completely inaccurate, and serves only as another example of fabricated reporting by (the Daily News). The suggestion that the timing of Jeremy Lin's injury report is in any way connected to a longstanding Knicks playoff ticket deadline is a malicious attack on The Madison Square Garden Company. Jeremy Lin decided on Saturday to have surgery now in hopes that he would be able to return in time for, or at least during, the playoffs. The Knicks have sold out 61 games in a row, including last season's playoffs, and as standard practice we provided season ticket holders a first opportunity benefit to reserve playoff tickets before going on sale to the general public.'

Courtesy of http://content.usatoday.com

Warriors recall Chris Wright from D-League - by Eurobasket News

The Golden State Warriors have recalled forward Chris Wright (6'8''-F-88, college: Dayton) from the Dakota Wizards of the NBA Development League.

Wright, 23, was assigned to the Wizards on March 24 and has appeared in six games for the Warriors D-League affiliate since that time, averaging 17.0 points and 7.0 rebounds in 27.8 minutes per contest, while shooting 58.2% (46-79 FG) from the field. The 68 forward helped lead the Wizards to a 5-1 record during his stint with the team, including victories in their last five contests to secure a spot in the 2012 D-League Playoffs.

This was the second assignment of the season for Wright, as he previously was assigned to the Wizards on January 26 and averaged 20.7 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 2.33 blocks in 31.0 minutes over three games before being recalled on February 6. Overall, he has appeared in nine games with the Wizards this season, averaging 18.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.33 blocks in 29.0 minutes of action.

Wright will rejoin the Warriors in Minnesota in time for tonights game against the Timberwolves. He has appeared in 17 games with Golden State this season, averaging 2.1 points and 1.1 rebounds in 4.7 minutes.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Deal to keep Hornets in N.O. close, Stern says - by Eurobasket News

Commissioner David Stern said Wednesday night the NBA is close to finalizing a deal to keep the Hornets in New Orleans with a very favorable lease, important capital improvements, intense tax benefits and a new television deal.

Stern made the comments before Utah's game against Phoenix. He's in Salt Lake City for a luncheon that in part will honor late Jazz owner Larry H. Miller.

Stern prefaced his comments by telling a joke, saying 'soon' when asked about the Hornets' deal.

But he said the league was in intense negotiations with three groups. He was hopeful he could tell team owners at a meeting next week the deal was done, close or that he was on the verge of a deal.

Stern also said he was more 'hopeful than confident' the situation regarding Sacramento's arena would be resolved to keep the Kings from moving.

'I'm very, very hopeful that it gets on track because I think the owners have a respect for the Maloofs, and I think the owners also have an enormous respect for what Sacramento has done over the years in supporting an NBA franchise,' Stern said. 'It's always been our first preference ... to keep a team where they're at if they're playing in a good facility.'

While praising the Miller family for keeping the Jazz in Salt Lake City, Stern said the team should continue to benefit from the new collective bargaining agreement.

'It takes the edge away for people who could just throw money at it,' Stern said.

He referred to comments made recently by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.

'He said under the old deal he could just throw money at things. He could stockpile players, use exceptions, do all kinds of interesting things,' Stern said.

'We think (the new CBA) is a real game-changer for leveling things out.'

The Jazz, despite no All-Stars, entered play on Wednesday a game out of eighth place in the Western Conference playoff race.

Asked if he was surprised, Stern deferred, recalling how one of the great minds, Red Auerbach, once was annoyed because the Jazz had drafted Adrian Dantley and he got stuck with Kevin McHale.

'So I don't even bother to make predictions about what's going to happen in our league,' Stern said. 'I will say that the Jazz came out of the trade with New Jersey as well as Denver came out of the trade with New York, and they're both fighting for playoff spots and the Knicks are fighting for a playoff spot and New Jersey might be but for injuries they had. So maybe it was a good trade for all parties.'

Pulling the trigger on the deal that sent Deron Williams to New Jersey was Jazz CEO Greg Miller, Larry Miller's son.

Stern said the transition had been 'seamless.'

'There's such a strong set of values here, a strong tradition of support for the basketball operation, a strong support for the community that it just wasn't an issue,' Stern said.

'I do know that Larry literally down to the end was engaging in tutorials ... or important philosophical discussions so the family had a pretty darn good idea of what he wanted them to do. But it was almost not necessary because he lived it by example and I think everything has been fine here.'

Miller said in response that Stern always has gone out of his way to include him, 'going way back.'

'Then in the transition, when my dad made me CEO and prior to his death, David called and extended a hand and made it very clear that if I needed anything, he was there for me.'

Miller also said he always learned a lot just by listening to Stern.

Apparently Stern's recent message got through as he had urged Miller and Hall of Famer Karl Malone to put their very public spat 'to rest.'

Malone had complained that he was forced to use a scalper to buy tickets for a Jazz game, and blamed the organization for giving Williams too much power -- thus crushing Jerry Sloan's desire to continue coaching.

Just before tip-off Wednesday, Miller and Malone could be seen walking into the arena, talking and laughing.

'Yeah, Karl and I, we got it worked out,' Miller said. 'Everything's good.'

Swingman Mike Miller (6'8''-F/G-80, college: Florida) returned to practice, participating in Tuesdays morning shootaround. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said its the most encouraging sign since Miller sustained a sprained left ankle March 10 against Indiana.

There is still no date on when he is expected back in uniform. Miller has missed the past 12 games.

He went through about half the shootaround, Spoelstra said. Hes making progress.

Courtesy of The South Florida Sun-Sentinel (via www.insidehoops.com)

NBA Round: 99 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News

Detroit P. - Washington W. 99-94Ben Wallace is supposed to be in the last weeks of his career. His Detroit Pistons teammates are still hoping he changes his mind.
The 37-year-old Wallace, who has announced he plans to retire at the end of the season, played the final 18 minutes of Thursday's game and made five key free throws down the stretch, helping the Pistons beat the Washington Wizards 99-94.
''I don't want him to do it, I keep telling him that he can play two or three more years,'' Will Bynum said. ''The way he works? He's the first one in the gym every day and the last one out of the gym every day. He looks like he's 30, not 37.''
Wallace came into the game midway through the third quarter while the Pistons were having trouble keeping John Wall away from the basket. The strategy worked, as Wall only had four of his 28 points in the fourth.
''(Wallace) was phenomenal tonight,'' Pistons coach Lawrence Frank said. ''I respect him, so I respect his decision, but that man is a true testament to professionalism and hard work. I hope our players soak up some of his lessons before he's gone.''
The Wizards rallied in the fourth quarter, and started intentionally fouling Wallace to try to finish their comeback. He had missed his first four free throws and was shooting 26 percent for the season, but hit five of six shots from the line in a 16-second span.
''I never seem to make them until teams make me make them,'' Wallace said with a grin. ''When teams do that, I see it as a challenge and I have to step up.''
Monroe led the Pistons with 18 points in 21 minutes, while Rodney Stuckey scored 15.
The Wizards were missing Nene and Trevor Booker with foot injuries, but rallied from a 20-point deficit to pull within five late in the game. Wall also finished with 10 assists, while Kevin Seraphin had 15 points before fouling out.
''We were down two big men as it was, so Kevin was our only legitimate center, and then we lose him,'' Washington coach Randy Wittman said. ''We lost our physicality on defense, and we lost any ability to get points out of the post.''
Detroit could have put the game away in the first half, but missed 11 of 24 free throws to let Washington stay close, 51-40. Monroe took advantage of the Wizards' issues inside to put up 13 points and six rebounds in the half, but Wall outscored Brandon Knight 11-0 in the matchup of former Kentucky point guards.
''John Wall got into the paint 28 times, and that was a huge percentage of their scoring,'' Frank said. ''Our second unit really stepped up and kept him out of there, and that turned out to be the difference in the game.''
The Wizards tried to rally in the third quarter, but missed several layups.
''Both our veterans weren't here, and we had some lapses,'' Wall said. ''We didn't play with enough energy in the first half, but we kept the game reasonable and we fought back. Being short-handed isn't an excuse. Everyone has injuries.''
Stuckey, returning from a hamstring injury, scored seven points late in the period to give Detroit a 76-64 lead going into the fourth.
''Coach did a great job of getting me the time that I needed,'' said Stuckey, who fouled out after playing 19 minutes. ''I'm not 100 percent, but I'm working my way back into it. I just played my game without thinking about the hamstring. If I retweak it, I do, but I can't let it stop me from playing.''
Detroit led by as many as 20 in the fourth, but three Washington 3-pointers made it 87-77 with 6:50 to play. It was 94-86 with 2:18 left when the Wizards started to foul Wallace, but that plan didn't work.
*Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

Sacramento K. - LA Clippers 85-93Blake Griffin made three straight jumpers in the closing minutes to finish with 14 points and nine rebounds, lifting the Los Angeles Clippers to a 93-85 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night.
Griffin's last jumper with 2:18 remaining put the Clippers ahead by three, and they held on to rebound from a loss to the Lakers a night earlier that ended a six-game winning streak - the franchise's best in 20 years - and slowed momentum to overtake its crosstown rival in the Pacific Division.
Randy Foye scored 20 points and Chris Paul had 13 points and eight assists for Los Angeles, closing to two games back of the Lakers. The Clippers host Sacramento on Saturday night.
Isaiah Thomas scored 17 points and Jason Thompson had 15 points and 16 rebounds for the Kings, losers of seven of their last eight. Sacramento is buried in last place in the Pacific Division and headed for another year in the NBA draft lottery.
The Kings started to crawl back against the Clippers behind their bench and a pair of rookies.
Thomas acrobatically avoided Kenyon Martin at the rim, with all 5-foot-9 of the point guard shielding the ball for a layup to give Sacramento a 72-71 lead in the fourth. And after the Clippers went back ahead by four, Thompson tipped in a rebound and Jimmer Fredette followed with a 3-pointer to put the Kings in front by three with 4:11 to play.
That about ended Sacramento's highlights.
Griffin, known best for his soaring dunks and mesmerizing athleticism, made three straight jumpers to give the Clippers an 84-81 lead. He also drew a fifth foul on DeMarcus Cousins moments later - a call that had Kings coach Keith Smart stomping his feet - and maintained his composure while the short-tempered Cousins constantly tangled up with him.
The teams traded baskets until time started to run out on Sacramento and it was forced to foul. Foye made four straight free throws - the last with 14.4 seconds remaining for a five-point lead that sealed the victory.
The physical play in the paint escalated between Cousins and Griffin all night.
After officials whistled Sacramento's Francisco Garcia for a technical foul for a late push that sent Paul into the basket's padding, Cousins shoved Griffin amid a small scrum that broke out under the hoop in the first quarter. They pushed and pulled each other for a rebound on the next possession, exchanging words nose to nose, and officials talked to each privately during a timeout.
Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro sat Griffin the first 7:30 of the second quarter, and Martin and Reggie Evans - players who've carved out careers with punishing plays - led a defensive charge that stymied Sacramento and Cousins. Los Angeles outscored the Kings 17-7 to begin the period, opening a 44-30 lead with most of its stars on the bench.
Sacramento answered with 12 straight points behind a flurry of foul shots as officials tried to keep the physical play from getting out of control. Paul and Griffin returned, and the Clippers pushed ahead 48-42 at halftime.
Cousins picked up his fourth foul reaching in against Griffin with 10:49 remaining in the third quarter, relegating Sacramento's big man - who has been surging since coach Keith Smart took over for the fired Paul Westphal after a 2-5 start - to the bench until 4:35 left in the fourth. Los Angeles built a 65-54 lead at one point during that span.
*Courtesy of www.utsandiego.com

Orlando M. - New York K. 80-96The New York Knicks seemed to be the NBA’s resident team-in-turmoil last month, stumbling through coaching issues and their second prolonged losing streak of the season.
In their second matchup with Orlando in just over a week, it was the Knicks that took advantage of a team caught up in off-court drama for a 96-80 win over the Magic on Thursday night.
Carmelo Anthony scored 19 points, and Tyson Chandler had 12 points and 12 rebounds to lead New York past a Magic team that appears to be sliding headfirst back into the soap opera that has trailed center Dwight Howard all season.
Magic coach Stan Van Gundy on Thursday morning said he had heard from top team management officials that Howard has previously requested that he be fired. Affected or not by the comments, Howard and his teammates trudged their way to a season-high fifth straight defeat.
“My job security is not what is important right now,” Van Gundy said after the loss, downplaying his earlier comments. “What Dwight wants is not what’s important right now. What’s important is we focus on getting better as a team. It’s not like we’ve played five awful games in a row.”
Earlier in the day, Howard denied that he’s made such demands of the Magic brass, echoing previous comments throughout the season. After the game he brushed aside any mention of a rift between him and his coach.
“I’m not gonna talk about that,” Howard said of the incident.
Howard’s game was off throughout the night and he finished with only eight points and eight rebounds. Jason Richardson scored 16 points and Glen Davis 15 to lead Orlando.
Lost in all the Magic malaise, though, might have been one of the Knicks’ better recent efforts, and definitely one of the best since they lost both center Amare Stoudemire and point guard Jeremy Lin to injury six games ago.
Lin is out for the season and Stoudemire remained sidelined Thursday, but Chandler and the New York reserves filled in the gaps in picking apart the Magic for the second straight meeting. J.R. Smith and Toney Douglas each added 15 points for the Knicks, who won for just the third time in their last 13 visits to Orlando. New York also hit 13 3-pointers.
“It was a total team effort,” Knicks coach Mike Woodson said. “We didn’t collapse like we did in the fourth quarter (in a loss Tuesday to Indiana), going in up (17). I’ve got to say that they learned something from the film session. They rebounded well. To come back in here and beat this team … I think Stan has done an excellent job over the years that he’s been here.
“And this year he’s had a good season with this ball club. It’s a big win for our team.”
The Knicks improved to 28-27 and more importantly continue to hold onto the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Douglas, who has spent a great deal of time on the Knicks’ bench this season, said it felt good to have the kind of game he knows he is capable of. He had his highest scoring output since December.
“We’re not a real big team in the second unit, so we gotta get up and push the ball, create and kick,” Douglas said. “…It means a lot. Every game is important, especially in our conference. We blew a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter against Indiana. So we played all four quarters tonight. That was the key.”
With the Magic’s morning drama casting a definite pall over the game, the Knicks controlled the action throughout. After handing the Magic a 22-point loss seven days ago, New York again was the aggressor and took a 17-point lead into the fourth quarter.
The Knicks built their lead with shot after shot from beyond the arc and with easy buckets underneath.
Chandler also rendered Howard ineffective on the defensive end, holding the Magic’s star center scoreless until a dunk with 3 seconds left in the third quarter.
Orlando never really threatened in the fourth.
The Knicks shot 48 percent (38 for 78), marking the fifth straight game the Magic have allowed an opponent to shoot at least 47 percent from the floor.
“I think we’re able to take (Howard) out of his comfort zone and make things difficult for him by not giving him easy shots,” Chandler said. “The loss in Indiana was a disappointing loss. We feel like we should have won. I am proud of my teammates about how we responded.”
The Magic, who fell to 32-23, also dropped to sixth place in the East.
Magic point guard Jameer Nelson said the focus going forward will be to ignore all issues that don’t pertain to what’s happening on the court. For what it was worth, Nelson also took a moment to offer a vote of confidence for Van Gundy.
“We’ve been handling adversity all season,” he said. “This is just another chapter of it. This is about us players and management sticking together. I love Stan as a coach. Since he’s been here he’s helped my career. Helped tremendously. He’s a great person.”
*Courtesy of http://sports.yahoo.com

Chicago B. - Boston C. 93-86Luol Deng scored 18 of his 26 points in the second half and Joakim Noah added 17 points and nine rebounds to rally the Chicago Bulls to a 93-86 victory over the visiting Boston Celtics on Thursday night.
The Bulls again played without Derrick Rose, out because of a strained groin for the 12th consecutive game. Chicago improved to 15-7 in his absence — including 8-4 during the latest stretch.
The Bulls rallied from 13 points down in the first half and pulled away in the fourth quarter to end their first two-game losing streak of the season. Trailing by 11 at halftime, Chicago outscored Boston 55-37 after the break.
Paul Pierce scored 22 points for Boston, which has lost two in a row after a winning a season-high five straight. Pierce had only one point in the fourth quarter.
Rose, who last played March 12 in a win against New York, was a game-time decision after practicing on Wednesday. He took contact for the first time since the injury and afterward was optimistic he will be able to play against the Knicks on Sunday.
*Courtesy of www.latimes.com

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.---The Oklahoma City Thunder lost back-to-back games for the first time this season. The first loss game against the Memphis Grizzles in a heated match up that went down to the wire and the second loss came against the rival Miami Heat on Wednesday night. Both teams played with aggression and the physical play brought plenty of hard fouls and big plays along with it.

The Thunder want to end this losing streak now and the next opponent on the schedule is the Indiana Pacers.

The Pacers have been playing inspired ball and no deficit is too big for them to battle back from right now. They proved that with two huge fourth quarter comebacks in their last four games and both times they trailed by more than 10 points.

The Thunder are coming in hungry for a win and the Pacers are looking to continue building momentum for the playoffs, it has the makings of a great match up. Indiana has been working hard to prove that they belong in the conversation of the best teams in the league and they know that they can only say they do so much, it comes down to them proving it on the court by winning games.

They had started to do that recently. They beat the Heat and finally got a win over the New York Knicks who had dominated them in the previous two games. A win against the Thunder would be big. Kevin Durant is currently in the hunt for his first MVP award and he'll be looking to continue his tough play and Russell Westbrook will look to pressure on his old UCLA running mate, Darren Collison.

There are some interesting match ups across the board at each position and it should be an exciting match up.

The Wolverines point guard, according to sources, is expected to forgo his remaining three years of eligibility and declare for the NBA.

Burke took the reigns from Darius Morris, who left early for the NBA a year ago, and Michigan didn't miss a beat.

The 5-foot-11 Burke averaged 14.8 points, 4.6 assists and 3.5 rebounds. While he's not an explosive athlete, he's smart, can shoot the ball well and also finds a way to get to the basket and both finish and create for his teammates. This is also an extremely weak point guard crop, so Burke -- according to several NBA executives -- has a chance to be taken in the first round.

Michigan finished 24-10 overall, tied with Michigan State and Ohio State for a share of the Big Ten title and lost to Ohio in the round of 64.

The Wolverines would have been a Final Four contender next season with Burke back and a highly regarded freshman class coming to Ann Arbor. However, without Burke, Michigan likely becomes a fringe Top 25 squad. Eso Akunna likely has the inside track to replacing Burke. He played a dozen games off the bench last season as a junior and averaged 1.7 points and four minutes per game.

The Wolverines, according to a source, are also bringing in under-the-radar point guard Spike Albrecht for a visit Thursday.

The Birmingham native will be introduced Tuesday at a news conference, replacing Jimmy Tillette.

He has spent the past four years under Tom Crean at Indiana after following him from Marquette.

Samford athletic director Martin Newton says during the search 'all roads led to Bennie Seltzer .' He called him a 'total package' as a coach and recruiter.

Seltzer also spent nine seasons as an assistant at Oklahoma.

Crean says his former assistant will approach any task 'with integrity, energy, and unyielding attitude for success.'

The 41-year-old Seltzer played for Washington State and is the program's all-time leader in assists and ranks second in 3-pointers made and sixth in steals and points.

Courtesyof http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

John Calipari not interested in NBA - by Eurobasket News

Kentucky coach John Calipari said Wednesday he isn't going to coach the New York Knicks or any other NBA franchise for the foreseeable future.

'Kentucky is the best job in basketball coaching,' Calipari said. 'Why would I leave? We just won the national title. We're chasing UCLA.'

Kentucky's title win over Kansas on Monday night in New Orleans gave the school eight national men's basketball titles, three short of UCLA's all-time record of 11.

Calipari said no NBA team has contacted him about an opening, including the Knicks, which are being coached by Mike Woodson on an interim basis after Mike D'Antoni was fired.

Calipari coached the New Jersey Nets for three seasons after he took UMass to the Final Four in 1996. He was fired by the Nets 20 games into his third season, in 1998-99.

He then worked as an assistant with the Philadelphia 76ers for one season before he coached Memphis for nine seasons, taking the Tigers to the national title game in 2008.

'All of those teams know I'm not doing anything,' Calipari said. 'I'm not changing. I'm going to continue to see my friends who coach in the NBA and see my former players who play in the NBA. I'm going to continue to go to games.'

Calipari has coached the Wildcats to two Final Fours and three Elite Eights in his three seasons in Lexington. His Kentucky record is 102-14 with an NCAA tournament record of 13-2.

Calipari originally signed an eight-year contract. But Kentucky gave him a new eight-year deal worth $36.5 million in 2011. Starting in 2012-13, if he accomplishes all his incentives in his contract, he'll make $5.65 million in each of the next three years.

Calipari was paid $4.65 million this year. Starting in July, he will be eligible to earn a $1 million retention bonus for six of the next seven years.

'I've always said I have more money than I can spend, than my children can spend,' Calipari said. 'It's not about that.'

Calipari has coached a number of NBA-bound first-round draft picks in his three seasons at Kentucky with DeMarcus Cousins, John Wall, Eric Bledsoe, Patrick Patterson, Daniel Orton and Brandon Knight already in the NBA. Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and possibly Doron Lamb, Marquis Teague and Darius Miller could join them from this past season's team.

'No one is stealing our joy,' Calipari said. 'I've made statements that I've got the best job in basketball and I'm not going to change my lifestyle. I'm not leaving.'

Julysses Nobles (6'1''-G-90) won't be returning for his senior season at Arkansas.

Coach Mike Anderson announced Wednesday that Nobles would pursue 'another opportunity' to continue playing basketball. Nobles started 54 games for the Razorbacks over three seasons, averaging 7.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.

Anderson said he wishes Nobles the best as he continues to pursue basketball and work toward his college degree. Nobles said in the release that after speaking with Anderson he felt it was time to move on.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Jared Sullinger heads to NBA Draft - by Eurobasket News

Two-time Ohio State All-American forward Jared Sullinger (6'9''-F-92) is moving on to the NBA.

The 6-foot-9 sophomore announced on Wednesday that he is giving up his final two seasons with the Buckeyes to make himself available for the NBA draft on June 28.

Sullinger averaged 17.5 points and 9.2 rebounds a game while shooting 52 percent from the field, 77 percent at the line and 40 percent on 3-pointers. He led the Buckeyes to a 31-8 record and a Final Four berth.

Deshaun Thomas (6'7''-F-91), a 6-7 sophomore at Ohio State, is also considering the NBA.

Courtesy of www.huffingtonpost.com

Coach Calipari's personal redemption has been completed, winning a National Championship - by Rangi Gescheit

After getting 3 schools to the final 4, countless amount of players to the NBA, had 5 players selected in the 1st round of the draft (new record) and few more impressing achievements, Coach John Calipari has won his first ever national championship. Not before he knock off two rivals/'personal demons' which haunted him for a while.

Coach Calipari is known for his ability to take a mid-major school and put it at the front line nation wise.

He did that in the 90s in Amherst with the University Of Massachusetts. He led the Minuteman to the NCAA 6 years in a row. For an Atlantic-10 school it is not an achievement to be taken lightly.

The year of 1996 was the highlight of Caliparis era at UMass. With Marcus Cambi as his leading scorer he led them to the Final Four that year. They met Kentucky at the semi final. Kentucky , coached by his friend and mentor Rick Pitino beat them 81:74 and put an end to Caliparis dreams. For the 90s at least. A demon was created. Not only Pitino sent UMass home. Calipari was not able to bring his ball club to the same level ever again before his departure towards the end of the millennium.

Twelve years later, Calipari have led the University of Memphis to an amazing season. 2007-2008 was not an easy schedule for the Tigers. The regular season championship and the Conference USA tournament were in doubt for a moment. The national stage and how good they can be that was the question. They played and won Gonzaga , Arizona , Oklahoma , UConn. It was clear that they are being prepared to the big stage.

And that year they got to the big stage.

That year Coach Calipari challenged history and tradition. Calipari and his stars Derek Rose, Dozier and Douglas-Roberts shut down UCLA and sent them home.At the National Championship Calipari have met a new demon which will haunt him for the next 4 year. Bill Selfs Kansas .

They ran shoulder to shoulder for 36 minutes. 2:12 Memphis was up 51:60. Kansas got on a run. 9 seconds to go Kansas tied the game at 63. the ball is at Memphis' hand. Coach Calipari did not take a timeout. Robert Dozier did not convert his desperate 3 point shot and the game went to overtime. From that point and on, Kansas never looked back.

So few years went by, Calipari got the fancy but very demanding job at Kentucky and he was up to the challenge.

Last year he got the to the Final Four but was stopped there again.This year, how symbolic, he had to face both of his demons on his way to his first National Championship.In both game it was all about Kentucky .As Coach himself said before the semi final: I am not worried about Louisville . We know how good they are. They are playing right now as well as anybody in the country. It is us I am worried about.And he was right. Once they were able their game style neither team could force them differently.Louisville hang to them and the semis. But they just didnt have enough to close the deal.That was revenge number one, and Rick Pitino was not shy sharing his thought about his in state rival saying how proud he is in his players that made it that far and also wished his opponent good luck, I hope they will bring the championship back to the state of Kentucky.

This time around his players made the free throws in the money time and secured the win.

Big smiles a lot of hugs and a huge relief. Now coach Calipari got rid of these demons and most likely will never be asked again about that time out in his first final which he should or should not take.

Facing elimination in one of the toughest venues in the Australian NBL, the Breakers levelled their semifinal series against Townsville with a 94-83 win tonight.

It's the second year running the Breakers have crossed the ditch knowing nothing but a win will do to keep alive their season. Last year, they put Perth to the sword on their way to winning a maiden championship, and their defence of that crown now hinges on Saturday night's winner-takes-all game three at Vector Arena.

Like last year, tonight's victory was inspired by a return to the court from a stricken starter. Cedric Jackson (191-G-86, college: Cleveland St.) played the part of Mika Vukona this time around, with the American point guard rising from a wheelchair to take the court while showing few signs of the ankle injury he suffered at training during the week.

Jackson played 27 minutes and finished with 14 points and five assists, while the Breakers got huge contributions from their bench - with CJ Bruton (188-G-75, college: Indian Hills CC)'s 18 points leading the team - to send the series back to Auckland.

Where their game one loss was marked by a lack of intensity, the Breakers showed plenty of that from beginning to end tonight. They crashed the boards to finish with a 42-32 advantage, while shooting 47 per cent from the field compared to Townsville's 40.

The early signs were encouraging for the Breakers. Not only did Jackson take his place in the starting lineup, but he ignited the offence with the first five points of the game.

Mika Vukona was rebounding at both ends as the Breakers resumed their superiority on the boards, and the Crocs shooting was well down from the 57 per cent they hit in game one.

That all added up to an early Breakers lead, which swelled with a 14-1 run as the visitors' second unit came off the bench to open up a double digit lead at the first break.

The Breakers began the second period by missing a succession of three-pointers to fall to 3-14 from deep, with Tom Abercrombie (0-4) and CJ CJ Bruton (1-5) particularly guilty.

That, combined with some some deadly shooting from Townsville's Michael Cedar (190-G-86) brothers, saw the Crocs pull within four.

But the Breakers seemed to finally get the message and got closer to the hoop, with some inspired play in the paint from Alex Pledger seeing the lead quickly grow to a game-high 13. Pledger played only 12 minutes in game one but his team-high 12 points saw the Breakers take a 52-38 lead into the halftime break, with more than half of those points coming from the bench.

A key reason for the Breakers' big lead was the shackling of game one tormenter Pete Crawford. He scored 26 points in Auckland but, thanks to some tight defence from Vukona, could only register on the scoreboard three minutes into the third quarter.

Another factor was the play of Dillon Boucher, with the Kiwi veteran scoring four points, dishing out four assists and leading his side with six rebounds in the opening half. His departure from the court midway through the third, after sustaining a blow to his mouth, was the catalyst for a Crocs comeback as Townsville closed to within seven.

But successive three pointers from CJ CJ Bruton to close the quarter kept Townsville at arm's length and ensured the Breakers took an 11-point lead into the final break.

And, apart from a brief scare when the deficit dropped to six, the Breakers did enough to send the series to a deciding third game.

Runaway Savannah conference leader of the DStv premier basketball league Kano Pillars basketball club and second place Yelwa Hawks basketball club of Bauchi will this weekend engage in battle of supremacy as both sides go for each other jugular at the sports hall of the Sani Abacha stadium, Kano.

The Sunday match between the two sides which is dub the Star-match of weeke-7 in both conferences is expected to live up to expectation as both sides are yet to drop game in the ongoing season.

Both sides have won all their six games so far reason for the importance attached to Sunday pairing as it could decide who top the conference going into the final-8 playoff coming up in June this year as Pillars battle to reclaim the league title it lost last season after winning in the first three seasons.

Niger Potters basketball club of Minna will continue its resurgence as it host Bauchi Nets basketball club in Minna on Saturday; Nigeria Immigration basketball club will be at home to bottom placed Civil Defenders basketball club of Abuja in Kano on Saturday while last season fourth place finisher Kada Stars basketball club continue it search for a comfortable finish in the Savannah conference when it hosted Tapgun Rockets basketball club of Jos in Kaduna on Sunday.

In the Atlantic conference, the sports hall of the national stadium Lagos will host two games on Saturday with Nigeria Customs Service basketball team going up against Comets basketball club at 2.00pm while Chariots basketball club and Union Bank basketball club takes the centre stage at 4.00pm and on Sunday Police Baton basketball club will continue it search for a winning formula as it confront ruthless and conference leader Dodan Warriors basketball club at 4.00pm just Royal Hoopers basketball club of Port Harcourt will attempt to put behind it it 70-81 points week-6 home loss to Dodan Warriors and go for the kill against visiting Islanders basketball club of Lagos at the civic centre.

FYI: Drive coach A.J. Guyton (agency: Scenic Sports Group, LLC. ) is unhappy his top-seeded team, which has home court advantage in this three-game series, must open the Premier Basketball League playoffs on the road. I dont know who came up with that idea, said Guyton, whose team hasnt played in 12 days. The fatigue of travel should be reduced by the fact the Drive will fly. The Steamers average 108.4 points, but their zone-oriented defense allows 108.0. Their run-and-gun style has them leading the PBL with 22.1 assists per game. Its a situation where we have to guard them in a way theyve never been guarded before, Guyton said. Look for Nathan Fuqua to guard the Steamers leading scorer, 6-foot-1 Vincent Simpson, who averages 20.3 points. Its going to be tough for anybody to score on us if we play the way were capable of, said Drive forward Anthony Slack.

Next: Game Two at U.S. Cellular Coliseum vs. Scranton Wilkes-Barre, 7:05 p.m. Saturday.

An interesting game for Asseco Prokom (5-2) which hosted in Gdynia 3rd placed Zastal ZG (4-3). First ranked Asseco Prokom managed to get a 8-point victory 77-69. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Zastal ZG. It was a key game for the top position in Group A. The hosts trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 37-27 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Asseco Prokom dominated on the defensive end, holding Zastal ZG to just 7 points in third quarter. 32 personal fouls committed by Zastal ZG helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of Lithuanian power forward Donatas Motiejunas (213-90, agency: Interperformances) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 24 points and 13 rebounds. American guard Jerel Blassingame (175-81, college: UNLV) contributed with 14 points and 5 assists for the winners. Asseco Prokom's coach used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Ivorian-Puerto Rican point guard Walter Hodge (183-86, college: Florida) answered with 16 points and 4 assists for Zastal ZG. Defending champion maintains first place in Group A with 5-2 record, which they share with Trefl Sopot. Zastal ZG at the other side keeps the third position with three games lost. Asseco Prokom is looking forward to face Energa Czarni (#5) in Slupsk in the next round. Zastal ZG will play at home against Anwil in Wloclawek and it may be a tough game between close rivals. An interesting game for Trefl Sopot (5-2) which played road game in Wloclawek against 4th placed Anwil (3-4). Second ranked Trefl Sopot managed to get a 13-point victory 67-54. It was a great evening for American power forward John Turek (205-83, college: Nebraska) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds. Lukasz Koszarek helped adding 13 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. At the losing side naturalized Bosnian forward Seid Hajric (203-83) responded with 10 points and 9 rebounds. Anwil's coach Krzysztof Szablowski rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Trefl Sopot keeps a position of Group A leader, which they share with Asseco Prokom. Anwil at the other side keeps the fourth place with four games lost. Trefl Sopot will play against PGE Turow (#6) in Zgorzelec in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Anwil will play on the road against Zastal ZG in Zielona Gora and it may be a tough game between close rivals. An interesting game for Slask Wroclaw (22-13) which hosted in Wroclaw 3rd placed Kotwica (17-18). First ranked Slask Wroclaw had an easy win 95-68. It was an exceptional evening for Robert Skibniewski who led the winners and scored 23 points and 7 assists. Darrell Harris came up with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 15 rebounds for Kotwica in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Newly promoted Slask Wroclaw maintains first place in Group B with 22-13 record. Loser Kotwica keeps the third position with 18 games lost. Slask Wroclaw will meet Polpharma (#5) in the next round. Kotwica will play against AZS Politechnika Warszawska in Warszawa and hope to secure a win. The game in Zgorzelec was also worth to mention about. 5th ranked Energa Czarni (2-5) played at the court of sixth ranked PGE Turow (2-5). PGE Turow managed to secure a 9-point victory 83-74. Michal Chylinski fired 16 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. PGE Turow's coach Jacek Winnicki allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. PGE Turow moved-up to fifth place in Group A, which they share with defeated Energa Czarni. Energa Czarni lost fifth consecutive game. PGE Turow's next round opponent will be league's second-placed Trefl Sopot on the road and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Energa Czarni will play against the league's leader Asseco Prokom in Gdynia.

Other games in round 7 were not that significant. In Group B LKS Lodz was smashed by AZS Koszalin on the road 94-67. AZS PW lost to PBG Basket on its own court 72-89. Polpharma managed to outperform Siarka Jezioro in Starogard 100-90. The most impressive performance of 7th round was 14 points, 11 assists and 4 steals by Krzysztof Szubarga of Anwil.

Group A

An interesting game for Asseco Prokom (5-2) which hosted in Gdynia 3rd placed Zastal ZG (4-3). First ranked Asseco Prokom managed to get a 8-point victory 77-69. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Zastal ZG. It was a key game for the top position in Group A. The hosts trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 37-27 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Asseco Prokom dominated on the defensive end, holding Zastal ZG to just 7 points in third quarter. 32 personal fouls committed by Zastal ZG helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of Lithuanian power forward Donatas Motiejunas (213-90, agency: Interperformances) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 24 points and 13 rebounds. American guard Jerel Blassingame (175-81, college: UNLV) contributed with 14 points and 5 assists for the winners. Asseco Prokom's coach used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Ivorian-Puerto Rican point guard Walter Hodge (183-86, college: Florida) answered with 16 points and 4 assists and American forward Thomas Mobley (195-81, college: Charleston) added 9 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Zastal ZG. Defending champion maintains first place in Group A with 5-2 record, which they share with Trefl Sopot. Zastal ZG at the other side keeps the third position with three games lost. Asseco Prokom is looking forward to face Energa Czarni (#5) in Slupsk in the next round. Zastal ZG will play at home against Anwil in Wloclawek and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers:Zastal ZG: W.Hodge 16+3reb+4ast, K.Chanas 14+1reb+1ast, K.Archibeque 11+7reb, T.Mobley 9+10reb+2ast, M.Flieger 4+1ast, M.Chodkiewicz 4Asseco Prokom: D.Motiejunas 24+13reb+1ast, J.Blassingame 14+2reb+5ast, P.Zamojski 10+6reb+2ast, R.Witka 9+1reb, P.Szczotka 8+2reb, Q.Day 6+2reb+3ast

An interesting game for Trefl Sopot (5-2) which played road game in Wloclawek against 4th placed Anwil (3-4). Second ranked Trefl Sopot managed to get a 13-point victory 67-54. Anwil was ahead by 8 points at the halftime before a 39-18 second half run of Trefl Sopot. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Anwil to just 6 points in third quarter. It was a great evening for American power forward John Turek (205-83, college: Nebraska) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds. The former international guard Lukasz Koszarek (187-84) helped adding 13 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. At the losing side naturalized Bosnian forward Seid Hajric (203-83) responded with 10 points and 9 rebounds and American forward Lawrence Kinnard (202-86, college: UAB) scored 13 points and 5 rebounds. Four Anwil players scored in double figures. Anwil's coach Krzysztof Szablowski rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Trefl Sopot keeps a position of Group A leader, which they share with Asseco Prokom. Anwil at the other side keeps the fourth place with four games lost. Trefl Sopot will play against PGE Turow (#6) in Zgorzelec in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Anwil will play on the road against Zastal ZG in Zielona Gora and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers:Anwil: L.Kinnard 13+5reb+1ast, S.Hajric 10+9reb+2ast, C.Edwards 10+6reb, K.Szubarga 10+4reb+2ast, J.Allen 8+3reb+2ast, L.Majewski 3+1rebTrefl Sopot: J.Turek 20+11reb+1ast, L.Wisniewski 15+5reb+2ast, L.Koszarek 13+8reb+7ast, F.Dylewicz 8+11reb, M.Stefanski 6+1reb, V.Cummings 3

The game in Zgorzelec was also worth to mention about. 5th ranked Energa Czarni (2-5) played at the court of sixth ranked PGE Turow (2-5). PGE Turow managed to secure a 9-point victory 83-74. Energa Czarni was ahead by 8 points after three quarters before a 32-15 charge of PGE Turow, which allowed them to win the game. They made 20-of-23 charity shots (87.0 percent) during the game. The former international guard Michal Chylinski (199-86, agency: Interperformances) fired 16 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Australian-Dutch center Daniel Kickert (208-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) chipped in 14 points and 6 rebounds. PGE Turow's coach Jacek Winnicki allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. The former international forward Zbigniew Bialek (203-82, agency: Limelight Hoops) produced 9 points and 6 rebounds and American center David Weaver (209-87, college: Wake Forest) added 10 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. Four Energa Czarni players scored in double figures. PGE Turow moved-up to fifth place in Group A, which they share with defeated Energa Czarni. Energa Czarni lost fifth consecutive game. PGE Turow's next round opponent will be league's second-placed Trefl Sopot on the road and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Energa Czarni will play against the league's leader Asseco Prokom in Gdynia. Top scorers:Energa Czarni: M.Cesnauskis 14+1reb+1ast, S.Burrell 12+1reb+3ast, D.Hinson 11+2reb+3ast, K.Roszyk 11+2reb+2ast, D.Weaver 10+7reb, Z.Bialek 9+6reb+3astPGE Turow: A.Lee 16+1reb, M.Chylinski 16+7reb+1ast, D.Kickert 14+6reb, D.Jackson 9+2reb+2ast, G.Gustas 8+1ast, D.Kulig 6+3reb+1ast

gschID: 169039

Group B

No shocking result in a game when second ranked AZS Koszalin (19-16) crushed at home 8th ranked LKS Sphinx (6-29) 94-67. The game was mostly controlled by AZS Koszalin. LKS Sphinx was better in third quarter 19-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. AZS Koszalin dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to LKS Sphinx's 34. AZS Koszalin forced 21 LKS Sphinx turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. Guard Marcin Dutkiewicz (196-86) fired 26 points and 5 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) for the winners. Naturalized Canadian forward Greg Surmacz (203-86, agency: Interperformances) chipped in 17 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Four AZS Koszalin players scored in double figures. AZS Koszalin's coach Andrej Urlep felt very confident that he used 11 players and allowed the starting five to rest. The former international forward Pawel Malesa (197-85, college: Chipola) produced 20 points and forward Jakub Dluski (200-87) added 9 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. AZS Koszalin have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain second place in Group B with 19-16 record having just three points less than leader Slask Wroclaw. Newly promoted LKS Sphinx keeps the eighth position with 29 games lost. AZS Koszalin's next round opponent will be PBG Basket (#6) in Poznan. LKS Sphinx will play at home against Siarka Jezioro in Tarnobrzeg. Top scorers:LKS Lodz: P.Malesa 20+2reb, J.Zyskowski 12+3reb+1ast, J.Dluski 9+6reb+1ast, K.Sulima 9+6reb, B.Szczepaniak 8+2reb+1ast, M.Kuczmera 4+2rebAZS Koszalin: M.Dutkiewicz 26+5reb+1ast, G.Surmacz 17+3reb, K.Laczynski 10+2reb+6ast, P.Pamula 10+2reb, R.Bigus 10+5reb+4ast, C.Eziukwu 9+5reb+2ast

An interesting game for Slask Wroclaw (22-13) which hosted in Wroclaw 3rd placed Kotwica (17-18). First ranked Slask Wroclaw had an easy win 95-68. The game was mostly controlled by Slask Wroclaw. Kotwica managed to win third quarter 25-24. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Slask Wroclaw dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Kotwica's 30. Slask Wroclaw had a 29-17 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a great shooting night for Slask Wroclaw especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 58.8 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Slask Wroclaw made 7 blocks. It was an exceptional evening for the former international guard Robert Skibniewski (182-83) who led the winners and scored 23 points and 7 assists. American-Puerto Rican guard Paul Graham (196-85, college: Florida Atlantic, agency: Beo Basket) accounted for 19 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists for the winning side. Four Slask Wroclaw players scored in double figures. American power forward Darrell Harris (208-84, college: Rhode Island) came up with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 15 rebounds and forward Lukasz Wichniarz (197-82) added 20 points respectively for Kotwica in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Newly promoted Slask Wroclaw maintains first place in Group B with 22-13 record. Loser Kotwica keeps the third position with 18 games lost. Slask Wroclaw will meet Polpharma (#5) in the next round. Kotwica will play against AZS Politechnika Warszawska in Warszawa and hope to secure a win. Top scorers:Kotwica: L.Wichniarz 20+4reb, D.Harris 14+15reb+2ast, M.Djuric 12+7reb, D.Brown 7+4reb+1ast, W.Zloty 6+4reb+2ast, L.Diduszko 4+3reb+1astSlask Wroclaw: R.Skibniewski 23+3reb+7ast, P.Graham 19+6reb+7ast, A.Mladenovic 13+7reb+1ast, S.Bogavac 11+3reb+1ast, B.Bochno 10+3ast, P.Niedzwiedzki 9+6reb+1ast

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when 6th ranked AZS Politechnika Warszawska (10-24) lost to seventh ranked PBG Basket (11-24) in Warszawa 72-89. AZS Politechnika Warszawska was ahead by 1 point at the halftime before a 47-29 second half run of PBG Basket. They dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to AZS Politechnika Warszawska's 28. They outrebounded AZS Politechnika Warszawska 37-19 including a 26-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. PBG Basket players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. Forward Mateusz Bartosz (203-87) fired a double-double by scoring 20 points and 14 rebounds for the winners. Serbian forward Zarko Comagic (201-85, college: N.Arizona) chipped in 23 points. Four PBG Basket players scored in double figures. Guard Marek Popiolek (193-89) produced 21 points and forward Maciej Kucharek (204-93) added 14 points respectively for lost side. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. PBG Basket moved-up to sixth place in Group B. AZS Politechnika Warszawska lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the seventh position with 24 games lost. PBG Basket's next round opponent will be league's second-placed AZS Koszalin at home and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. AZS Politechnika Warszawska will play against Kotwica (#3) in Kolobrzeg. Top scorers:AZS PW: M.Popiolek 21+2reb+2ast, M.Kucharek 14+2reb+1ast, M.Nowakowski 8+4reb+1ast, L.Wilczek 7+2reb+4ast, S.Kowalczyk 6+1reb+1ast, C.Zieba 6PBG Basket: Z.Comagic 23+4reb+2ast, D.Micic 20+3reb+5ast, M.Bartosz 20+14reb+1ast, J.Parzenski 17+8reb, N.Nikolic 4+3reb+10ast, J.Nowak 3+1ast

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when fifth ranked Polpharma (14-20) won against 4th placed Siarka Jezioro (15-20) in Tarnobrzeg 100-90. It looked good early as Siarka Jezioro took an 2-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Polpharma had a 35-22 second period charge getting the lead and Siarka Jezioro was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 90-100. American players dominated the game. Guard Brandon Hazzard (188-87, college: Troy) fired 28 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Forward Jeremy Simmons (203-89, college: Charleston, agency: Interperformances) chipped in a double-double by scoring 12 points and 11 rebounds. Polpharma's coach Wojciech Kaminski allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. point guard Josh Miller (169, college: W.Virginia St., agency: Hart Sports Mngm) produced 21 points and 4 assists and forward Nicchaeus Doaks (202-87, college: Chattanooga, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) added 15 points and 11 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Polpharma have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain fifth place in Group B with 14-20 record. Siarka Jezioro at the other side keeps the fourth position with 20 games lost. Polpharma's next round opponent will be league's leader Slask Wroclaw at home and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Siarka Jezioro will play against LKS Sphinx in Lodz. Top scorers:Siarka Jezioro: J.Miller 21+1reb+4ast, M.Piechowicz 17+2reb+2ast, N.Doaks 15+11reb, J.Tiller 15+4reb+4ast, P.Karnowski 12+6reb+5ast, D.Wyka 6+5rebPolpharma: B.Hazzard 28+6reb+2ast, M.Hicks 18+2reb+2ast, M.Nowakowski 13+4reb+4ast, G.Arabas 12+6reb, J.Simmons 12+11reb, P.Dabrowski 8+3reb

Capitanes de Arecibo announced the signing of forward/center Diogu Ike (204-F/C-83, college: Arizona St.) for the FIBA-Americas League.

Diogu had a great performance in China and played in the NBA with Golden State, Indiana, Portland, Sacramento, L.A. Clippers and San Antonio. He is the third import of the team along with Ruben Garces and Danilo Pinnock.

Arecibo is scheduled to play in the FIBA-Americas League on April 13-15 in Caracas, Venezuela along with Cocodrilos, Uniceub/BRB of Brazil and La Union de Formosa of Argentina. The top two teams in the group qualify for the Final Four.

The team didnt announce if Diogu will play in BSN after they finish the semifinal round of the FIBA-Americas League.

Garnett played his last game on Sunday and averaged 10.06 points in 16 games.

Pinkney played on Wednesday and finished with averages of 10.71 points and 7.2 rebounds.

Atleticos expect Jose Jaime Lloreda by next week and will announce another import soon.

The team is third in the standings with a 9-8 record.

Harris' double-double lands him Player of the Round award - by Eurobasket News

28-year old forward Mike Harris (198-F-83) put on an amazing game in the last week for San German and receives a Latinbasket.com Player of the Round 16.He had a double-double of 36 points and 10 rebounds, while his team beat Humacao (#8, 4-12) 96-89. Thanks to this victory San German moved-up to the 5th position in the Puerto Rican league. San German is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 9-8 record. Harris just recently signed at San German, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Mike Harris averages this season 20.4ppg and 9.4rpg.

Second best performed player last week was Ansel Guzman (174-PG-84, agency: Paris Global Sports) of Guaynabo. He is former international guard in his first season at Guaynabo. In the last game Guzman recorded impressive triple-double of 18 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists. Of course Guaynabo cruised to a 84-74 relatively comfortable win over the lower-ranked Guayama (#7, 5-11). This victory allowed Guaynabo to move up to 4th position in the standings. His team's 9-8 record is not bad at all. Guzman is a newcomer at Guaynabo and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Al Thornton (203-F-83) of Guayama (#7). Thornton scored 29 points and grabbed five rebounds. Despite Thornton's great performance Guayama lost 74-84 to the higher-ranked Guaynabo (#4, 9-8). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Guayama not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 11 games, recording just five victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Thornton could try to bring Guayama's a little bit higher in the standings. Thornton has individually a great season in Puerto Rico. After 15 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 25.1ppg (best scorer) and rebounds with 9.5rpg (#1 in league). He also has 1.7bpg and FGP: 51.2%.

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

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QATAR

QBF Emir Cup: Arabi and Gharrafah post wins - by Eurobasket News

Arabi and Gharrafah remained undefeated after the second round of QBF Emir Cup action. Arabi stunned the QBF league champions Rayyan 82:73 to improve at 2-0 record in Group I. Arabi used a 9:0 run late in the third quarter to clear off. Arabi proved accurate from the stripe down the stretch and managed to secure the second win. Alvin Mofunanya (203-F-87, agency: Dream Team Management, college: Fair Dickinson) and William Byrd (201-G/F-85, college: Ark.-Pine Bluff) paced Arabi to the victory. Defending champions Gharrafah ensured the second straight win. They defeated Ahli 69:60 behind 26 points from Ndiaye. Suleiman Braimoh (203-F-89, college: Rice) added 17 points and 22 rebounds for Gharrafah. Ahli fell at 1-1 record after the loss. Sadd held off Wakrah 73:67 to gain their first win. The teams were tied at 67 late in regulation but Sadd scored six unanswered points to pull away with the victory. Jaysh overcame Qatar Club 101:99 in overtime. Baker Ahmad (199-F-86) stepped up with 31 points to lead the winners. Qatar Club answered with 33-point and 14-rebound tally from Maurice McNeill.

American Kyndall Dykes (190-SG-87, agency: Edge Sports) had an amazing evening in the last round for U.Mobitel.CN and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 30.The 24-year old shooting guard had the game-high 33 points adding six rebounds and eight assists for U.Mobitel.CN in his team's victory, helping them to edge out CSU Sibiu (#10, 13-15) 89-87. U.Mobitel.CN maintains the 3rd position in Romanian Div.A. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. U.Mobitel.CN will need more victories to improve their 20-8 record. In the team's last game Dykes had a remarkable 75.0% from 2-point range. It's his second year at U.Mobitel.CN and it's hard to imagine this team without him. University of New Orleans graduate has very impressive stats this year. Dykes is in league's top in points (5th best: 21.0ppg) and averages solid 63.2% FGP. Worth to mention Dykes played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which helped him get the job in pro basketball.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 27-year old Serbian forward Milos Pesic (205-F-84) of Oradea. Pesic impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds. Of course he lead Oradea to another comfortable win outscoring the lower-ranked Dinamo B. (#13, 7-21) 99-77. Oradea's 5th position in the standings has not changed. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 20-8 record is not bad and everything may still change. Pesic is a newcomer at Oradea and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last round was American Deven Mitchell (197-F-84, agency: Interperformances) of top-ranked Gaz Metan. Mitchell scored 26 points and grabbed fourteen rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Gaz Metan, leading his team to a 89-80 win against the lower-ranked Pitesti (#9, 14-14). Gaz Metan confirms their top position in the standings Mitchell has a great season in Romania. After 23 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 18.6ppg (6th best).

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Uhud takes 17-1 on top after the victory over Al-Nahdha 100:77 in the postponed game from Round 14. Al-Fath is second with 14-3 record as they needed an overtime win over Al-Ansar 76:74. Al-Ittihad has 14-5 record, while Al-Ahli follow them with 13-5 record. The next round is scheduled fro April 5th.

Sunday saw Glasgow Rocks claim victory over local rivals and league leaders Newcastle Eagles to move within a single victory of securing a playoffs spot and means they could potentially qualify on Wednesday if Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders defeat Cheshire Jets. After a horrendous season filled with injuries, the Rocks FINALLY had an opportunity to field a fit and healthy squad for the first time since November 2011, and they have proved that they are a genuine contender for this years Playoff Championships!!!

The 85-77 victory sees the Eagles remain top of the league, four points clear of second place Worcester Wolves whom they face on Friday.

Deaundre Cranston (206-F-88, college: Mississippi) led all scorers with 25 points for the Rocks and made 11 of his 12 field goal attempts in the game, with his only miss coming from beyond the arc. His teammate Mychal Green earned a double-double, scoring 13 points and pulling down 12 boards. For the Eagles, Paul Guase top scored with 24, while Joe Chapman (193-G-84, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: Marquette) managed 23 points.

The game started well for Glasgow as they raced out into a 10 point lead at 16-6 with Deaundre Cranston scoring eight of their points. The Eagles retaliated with Joe Chapman making 2 3-pointers and scoring 10 points in 2 minutes to bring the deficit down to 18-16, before Paul Gause gave Newcastle the lead at 21-19. The Rocks then briefly re-took the lead, before a Paul Gause 'and-one' play gave it back to the Eagles at 24-23.

Five unanswered Glasgow points saw them lead 28-24 after the first before they started the second stanza with 4 more unanswered points to further extend their lead. The Eagles briefly had their lead down to four before the Rocks went on a 15-5 charge to lead 49-35. Paul Gause managed to grab the last points of the quarter for the Eagles before they went into half-time trailing 49-37.

The opening of the third period saw the teams trading two pointers before the Rocks managed to extend their lead to 16, their largest lead of the game before the Eagles were able to string together 7 unanswered points to leave themselves trailing 65-56. EJ Harrison made a 2-pointer to end the mini-break and give Glasgow a 67-56 lead after three quarters.

Newcastle started the fourth period well, reducing Glasgow's lead to 69-63 with a sequence that included an 'and-one' play for Charles Smith. Andrew Wedemire's three-pointer briefly had the Rocks back ahead by 9 but a Paul Gause field goal and a Smith three-pointer assisted by Joe Chapman had the Eagles just four points adrift at 74-70 with 4:23 remaining. However, tough Rocks defence saw the Eagles miss seven field goals in a row. The Eagles's own strong defense kept them in the game however and when Andy Thomson broke the run they found themselves only down 81-77 with 26 seconds remaining.

Needing to keep the Rocks from running down the clock, Paul Gause fouled EJ Harrison who converted both attempts at the line to make it 83-77. Andy Thomson missed a three-pointer for the Eagles and Fabulous Flournoy missed another shot after the Eagles grabbed the rebound. Mychal Green grabbed that rebound, was fouled by Charles Smith and converted both free throws to secure the Rocks an 85-77 victory.

Rocks now have a 2 week break before taking it to the road as they play 3 of their last 4 games away from 'The Hall'. The Rocks are full of confidence, and if they stay away from injuries they will be a force come the playoffs. The top four teams will all be hoping to dodge the Rocks in the first round of the Players..

THE ROCKS ARE BACK AND THEY MEAN BUSINESS...

Make sure to buy your tickets for the last game of the season NOW.... 22nd April 2012 - Rocks vs Wildcats @ The Hall.... Courtesy of: http://www.glasgowrocks.co.uk

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SERBIA

Best players of Superleague, Round Four - by Eurobasket News

American forward Mike Scott (203-F-86) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for top-ranked Radnicki K., receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 4 (Superleague). The 25-year old player had a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds, while his team edged out Partizan (3-1) in overtime 79-77. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Scott turned to be Radnicki K.'s top player in his first season with the team. Mike Scott averages this season 18.3ppg and 7.0rpg.

The second best player in last round's games was young prospect Nemanja Jaramaz (201-G-91, agency: Beo Basket) of Mega Vizura. Jaramaz had a great evening with 27 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists. Bad luck as Mega Vizura was edged by the higher-ranked Crvena Zvezda (#2, 3-1) 92-91.

Third on the list of top players last round was guard Milos Dimic (195-G-89) of Radnicki Basket. Dimic got into 30-points club by scoring exactly 30 points in the last round. Despite Dimic's great performance Radnicki Basket lost 82-84 in overtime to Hemofarm (1-3). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. Dimic has a great season in Serbia. After 28 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 16.3ppg (8th best).

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Darko Milicic (212-C-85), 2nd pick in 2003 NBA draft - after LeBron James and ahead of Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade - never fulfilled what was expected of him. Actually, he must be one of the biggest busts in the league in 21st century.

After playing in garbage time for 2 and a half seasons in Detroit, Darko moved to Orlando where he wasn't bad and showed little bit of his talent for one and a half season there. Improved stats helped him to get another good contract, not from Magic - who didn't want to extend him - but from Memphis. However, despite not that bad first season, it was another step back in Darko's NBA career. Marc Gasol signed for Grizzlies and Darko was quickly relegated to bench. After two seasons in Memphis, Serbian center was traded to New York, which was total disappointment as he played only 8 games for Knicks and averaged 2 points per game. Finally, New York traded him to Minnesota during 2009/2010 season. Darko started well there and even had some impressive games last season. But, this season is poor for him. Darko was starter at center for Timberwolves, but after series of bad games, his minutes on the floor were decreasing. Now, he didn't play in 14 of last 15 Minnesota's games. It is clear that veteran coach Rick Adelman doesn't have Serbian in his future plans. Logically after his last month's statement about Darko: 'He hasn't done anything to give you faith that he's going to go out and do the job. He's gotten himself out of shape, and I don't think he's been as driven as you'd like.'

If Darko doesn't change his attitude and condition quickly, it is obvious he will be no part of Minnesota next season. Whether they will buy out his contract or trade him (if some other team would accept him and his contract), it will be seen. Darko often said in the past that he would like to return to Europe and maybe his motivation to play in NBA is gone... This season, he is averaging 4.6 points, 3.3 rebounds in 16 minutes.

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SLOVENIA

Prepelic number one in Slovenia for round 4 - by Eurobasket News

Guard Klemen Prepelic (191-G-92) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Helios, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 4 (Second Stage). The 19-year old player was the main contributor (19 points, three rebounds and seven assists) to his team's victory, helping them to edge out Krka (2-2) 79-78. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Helios has almost perfect 3-1 record. In the team's last game Prepelic had a remarkable three three-pointers out of 7 attempts. It's his second year at Helios and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Klemen Prepelic has solid league stats. He is in league's top in points (3rd best: 15.8ppg), assists (6th best: 3.8apg) and averages impressive 50.6% FGP and 45.0% from behind 3-point line.

The second best player in last round's games was another Helios' star - 25-year old Croatian Drazen Bubnic (205-F-86). Bubnic had a very good evening with 21 points and 4 rebounds. He is well-known at Helios and together with Klemen Prepelic are proven team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 13.4ppg (#9). He also registered 5.1 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was center Salih Nuhanovic (209-C-82) of Elektra. Nuhanovic scored 17 points and grabbed twelve rebounds (!!!). Despite Nuhanovic's great performance Elektra lost 75-77in overtime to Zlatorog (2-2). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. Nuhanovic has individually a great season in Slovenia. After 21 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 7.0rpg (6th best).

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

KGC got out to a fast start but Wonju's Kim Joo-Sung (205-F/C-79) picked up 3 quick fouls in the first quarter and a technical on the way out, his second of the series. Despite losing one of its best players Wonju was able to build a ten point lead and finished the first half up 8. The second half was all KGC as they took a commanding lead and never looked back.

Besides the foul trouble for Kim the other big story in the game was rebounding. Wonju was badly out boarded 36-26 and KGC had 10 offensive rebounds. Wonju's Lee Kwang-Jae and Kim Joo-Sung gave the Promy a combined four points, not nearly enough if they hope to survive game 6 on Friday.

With 2 minutes left in the Game down 6 Rod Beson was fouled in the post. There was no call and he prosted the call leading to a technical foul and an ejection. Benson had to be held back from the referee. After he was escorted off the court he tore off his jersey and had to be held back from coming back on the court. The foul itself didn't seem to warrent such a reaction from Benson but over the course of the series, the refereeing has been abysmal against both teams and the KBL should be ashamed of the officiating crews it has fielded.

As the series has progressed Anyang has taken all the momentum and seems to get stronger with each game while Wonju seems to be slipping backwards. Kim Joo-Sung has given the Promy virtually nothing in the series except technical fouls, the result of his not getting the respect calls he's used to. Wonju's coach continues to try and mix and match his guards, which seems a bit unorthodox this deep into the playoffs. Finally, the Promy defense that was so great against Ulsan has been completely missing in action. Against Ulsan, Wonju was able to shut down the perimeter because the only threat inside was Terrence Leather. With Oh and Daniels both being dangerous scorers inside this isn't a luxury the Promy have and their defense has been unable to adjust.

Game 6 is set for Friday, and if necessary game 7 will be Sunday, both in Wonju.

The KBL finals have been full of questionable calls on both sides of the ball, but according to a Jumpball.co.kr article (http://news.jumpball.co.kr/news/view/cd/01/seq/17783) things have just gotten a lot stranger. According to the article KGC Coaches were given a meeting with the game referees and the KBL Chairman of referees following game 3 to get explanations of calls they disagreed with. KGC has won the two games since that meeting. Similarly, Dongbu Promy coaches were given a meeting following Wednesdays game 5 loss.

The article does not go into detail about the contents of the meeting, the length, or any other details but if coaches from individual teams are being allowed to meet with referees behind closed doors for explanation sessions, which surely leads to them petitioning for more favorable calls, the league has some serious credibility issues to face.

Officiating has been a problem in the KBL all season, and in years past. KBL officials are especially inept when it comes to calling physical post play. These two finals teams are KBL referees worst nightmare because they both feature excellent foreign and Korean bigs. The officiating for this series has been awful, and with game six just hours away these allegations will do little to alleviate the fears of fans who just want to see a fair game and conspiracy theorists who are convinced the league will do what it takes to make this series go seven games.

South Sudan has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Angola at the end of a meeting held on March 28 attended by delegations from both countries headed by their respective sports ministers. According to the MOU, South Sudan basketball team will train with some Angolan clubs. This is to enable the former team tap experience and expertise in the game as South Sudans Sports Ministers, Cirino Hiteng Ofuho, believes that Angola is home to the best players in Africa.

The Wilmington Sea Dawgs will host their third game of this season Saturday, April 7th against the Cary Invasion at the Schwartz Center in downtown Wilmington. Tip-off is at 7:00 p.m. with doors opening at 6:00 p.m.

The theme for this game is Youth Group Night. All church youth groups attending will receive free admittance.

We are also proud to partner with Cape Fear Community College on their Canned Food Drive. Show up at the door on game night with three cans of food and watch the Sea Dawgs play for free! Or bring ten or more cans of food and you will be entered in a drawing to participate in the half-time, half court shot for a gift certificate courtesy of Food Lion of Hampstead. All food collected will benefit the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.

This contest will feature musician Paul Black's national anthem rendition, as well as a half time performance by UNCW's dance group Physical Graffiti.

Some of the local organizations in attendance will be the Paws-Ability (a non-profit animal welfare foundation) and Beau Rivage Golf & Resort.

So come out and experience the excitement of our family-friendly game night atmosphere with raffles and fan giveaways from J. Michael' Philly Deli, Beau Rivage Golf & Resort, Great Clips and your very own Sea Dawgs throughout the evening.

C.Africain and E.S.Rades won the Semifinal openers - by Eurobasket News

C.Africain and E.S.Rades won the Semifinal openers in the country. C.Africain did not have any difficulties beating Stade Nabeulien 83:66. E.S.Rades meanwhile upset the Regular Season champion E.S.Sahel 69:65.Second games are planned for April 7th.

Experienced American Justin Love (189-G-78) had an amazing evening in the last round for BC Odessa and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 37.The 33-year old guard had the game-high 27 points adding eight rebounds and three assists for BC Odessa in his team's victory, helping them to edge out Ferro-ZNTU (22-15) 82-79. BC Odessa is placed at 4th position in Ukrainian Superleague. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. BC Odessa will need more victories to improve their 22-15 record. In the team's last game Love had a remarkable 66.7% from 2-point range. He turned to be BC Odessa's top player in his first season with the team. Justin Love averages this season 15.0ppg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 22-year old American center Michael Dunigan (208-C-89, agency: N.E.T.) of DniproAzot. Dunigan impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds. It was enough for DniproAzot to edge slightly lower-ranked Cherkasy (#13, 8-28) by 3 points 77-74. The game was between two teams which are definitely not main contenders for the title. But DniproAzot managed to improve slightly their position in standings taking 11th place. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 11-25 record. Dunigan is a newcomer at DniproAzot and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last round was American Reyshawn Terry (203-F-84) of Khimik (#6). Terry scored 21 points. He was a key player of Khimik, leading his team to a 97-76 easy win against the lower-ranked BC Kyiv (#9, 18-18). Khimik needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 21 victories and 15 lost games. Terry has a very solid season. In 36 games in Ukraine he scored 15.7ppg. He also has 6.7rpg, FGP: 50.2% and 3PT: 45.3%.

The Player of the week is chosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Worcester Wolves head coach Paul James has admitted his team faces a tough task to avoid successive defeats.

Having lost only five league games all season, Wolves are in danger of losing two inside the space of a week when they travel to Sport Central to face BBL Championship leaders Newcastle Eagles.

Wolves were soundly beaten last time out against Jelson Homes DM Leicester Riders and James is looking for a response but appreciates it will be a difficult assignment to get back to winning ways.

I'm now looking for a positive response from the team which is not going to be easy as we have Newcastle Eagles next admitted James.

But, if you want to be the best you have to beat the best and the Eagles are the best this season.

Worse still, their opponents are still smarting from a pre-Christmas home loss to the Wolves and are also coming into the game off the back of a defeat at Glasgow Rocks last Sunday.

In addition, Fab Flournoy and his team could even wrap up the title this weekend if they beat the Wolves and UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders lose both of their respective games. However, if the Eagles slip-up and Raiders win both, its very much game on and could be a thrilling finale down the season stretch during the last couple of weeks of the season.

Raiders have certainly piled the pressure onto the Eagles having won every one of their seven BBL Championship games during March something which helped Gavin Love secure the accolade of Molten BBL Coach Of The Month.

Raiders will do well to keep the heat on the Eagles since they have a double header on the road against two teams fighting for their play-off lives.

This evening they travel to Prestige Homes MK Lions and on Sunday they head to Surrey Sports Park to take on Guildford Heat.

Before facing Raiders, Heat will firstly have to try to give their post-season prospects a real shot in the arm when they visit Worcester Wolves tomorrow night and since that looks to be a very tough task, the game with Raiders at home could be vital.

Both Lions and Heat were boosted by a midweek loss for Cheshire Jets at Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders and they will be hoping Rob Paternosto and his side can do them another favour by delivering a near fatal blow to the play-off dreams of Mersey Tigers on Sunday.

Another team yet to secure their play-off spot are One Health Sharks Sheffield and they could take a significant step towards doing so when they hosts bottom side Durham Wildcats who make the short trip down into Yorkshire this evening.

We take a look at who has been hot and topping our stat charts during March.

Sensational scorers

Six players all averaged more than 20 points per game during the month a slight drop from the 9 players who accomplished the feat in February. Exciting rookie BBL guard Cameron Rundles of Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders was the leading scorer with 21.3 points per game and he only just edged out forward Colin OReilly who continued his excellent calendar year with Chesire Jets by racking up 21.2 points per game. Mike Tuck (One Health Sharks Sheffield), Demarius Bolds (Prestige Homes MK Lions), Jimmy Langhurst (One Health Sharks Sheffield) and Jeremy Bell (UCP Marjon Plymouth Raides) were the other players to pass through the 20 points per game landmark.

Glorious on the glass

Five players finished the month with double digits in the rebounding charts and for the second successive month, each of those players performing so gloriously on the glass all completed impressive monthly double-doubles. Once again, Paul Williams (208-F/C-83, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: St.Bonaventure) of UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders led the way (as he did last month) with a stellar 16.1 points and 15.6 rebounds per game. Second on the podium was Daniel Northern who averaged 13 rebounds per game to go with his 12 points. Mike Tuck (One Health Sharks Sheffield) grabbed a monthly double-double yet again with a super 20.8 points and 12 rebounds per game. BBL Team Of The Week leaders Ayron Hardy (Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders) and Ritchie Gordon (Worcester Wolves) were the other two players to average double-doubles due to their rebounding prowess.

Percentage kings

Callum Jones of Worcester Wolves may have had a limited amount of time to shine in comparison with many of his peers but there is absolutely no arguing with his numbers during March after he shot an eye-popping 82% from the field (14 of 17). In fact it was a superb shooting month all round with every player in the top ten of our chart for field goals managing to convert 60% or more from the floor. The closest challenger to Jones was Mike Capocci of Durham Wildcats although he was way back on 69% and leading a pack of eight other players with James Griffiths (Mersey Tigers), Sherrad Prezzie-Blue (Worcester Wolves) and of course who else but the Molten BBL Player Of The Month For March Ayron Hardy occupying top five slots.

Deadly from downtown

Quite aptly for our perimeter chart, One Health Sharks Sheffield claim a 1-2-3 with a clean sweep of the three-point podium. In what has been a brilliant month for Mike Tuck, she showed his versatility and range with 12 of 23 to become the only player in the BBL last month to shoot over 50% from downtown. He was closely followed by his team mates from the backcourt Ryan Patton and Jimmy Langhurst who shot 47.5% and 46.3% respectively. And, in what was a pretty mediocre month from long-range, James Jones (UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders) and Arnas Kazlauskas (Worcester Wolves) were the only two other players in the league to break the 40% mark.

Dishing up a storm

There is absolutely no stopping wingman Ayron Hardy (Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders) who once again led the way in assists even though he is not a guard. Having averaged his double-double in points and rebounds, he showed his passing skills with a remarkable 6.6 assists per game. The top guard was Antonio Bustamante of Mersey Tigers with 6.3 assists per game while Demarius Bolds (Prestige Homes MK Lions) and Adam Brown (Cheshire Jets) were the other two players that managed to average more than five assists per game during March.

On the line

After his perfect February when he made 40 of 40 from the charity stripe, Worcester Wolves scorer Tommy Freeman missed only two free-throws during March but even that was enough to relegate him to third place in our chart although he was one of only three players to average more than 905. He was pipped by Adam Brown (91.3%) and the top free-throw shooter of the month Jimmy Langhurst of One Health Sharks Sheffield (92.1%).

Pickpockets

Were running out of superlatives for Ayron Hardy (Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders) who secures yet another top spot in our charts yet again. Having dazzled with his scoring, rebounding and passing, he also did the work defensively for his team with a super 3.3 steals per game. Itslittle wonder he grabbed the Molten BBL Player Of The Month accolade since even his defensive performance was raised during the period with an improvement on the 2.5 steals per game during February. Demarius Bolds (Prestige Homes MK Lions) was a clear second with 2.4 steals per game while Fab Flournoy (Newcastle Eagles), Antonio Bustamante (Mersey Tigers) and Martelle McLemore who all finished with two steals per game.

Swatters

Daniel Northern of Prestige Homes MK Lions retains his place at the top of the standings with a modest 1.8 blocks per game. Who else but Ayron Hardy (Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders) was his closest challenger with 1.6 swats per game while Bill Cole (Cheshire Jets), Ritchie Gordon (Worcester Wolves) and Fab Flournoy (Newcastle Eagles) were the only other players in the BBL to manage more than 1 block per game.

England national teams to train and compete over Easter - by Eurobasket News

England's national youth teams are in action over Easter as they continue their preparations for the 2012 European Championship tournaments.

The Under 18 Men and Under 18 Women are travelling to Groningen, Netherlands for the Holland Nordic Basketball Tournament, taking place from 6-9 April.

Coach Andreas Kapoulas and the U16 Men visit Varese, Italy from 5-9 April for the VII Memorial Graziano Barila Tournament for U17 Men.

The U17 Men's Development Squad also start competition on Good Friday for the A.S.C basket Easter Tournament in Cherbourg, France.

LPB Round 30: Cocodrilos defeat Gigantes in the game between Top 4 teams - by Eurobasket News

The games at this stage are more interesting as they can be crucial for the final standings in Regular Season. Despite we already know who is stronger and who is weaker, there may be still last minute susprises and upsets.

An interesting game for Cocodrilos (25-7) which hosted in Caracas 3rd ranked Gigantes (17-11). First ranked Cocodrilos had an easy win 95-80. The game was mostly controlled by Cocodrilos. Gigantes managed to win third quarter 24-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Cocodrilos held Gigantes to an opponent 0.0 percent shooting from the field compared to 0.0 percent accuracy of the winners. Cocodrilos looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Cocodrilos made 10 blocks. It was a good game for international forward Nestor Colmenares (203-87, college: Campbellsville) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds. International power forward Windi Graterol (203-86) contributed with 13 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks for the winners. International center Jose Juan Bravo (202-86) replied with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for Gigantes. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Cocodrilos have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 25-7 record. Gigantes at the other side keep the third place with 11 games lost. Cocodrilos are looking forward to face Trotamundos (#4) in Valencia in the next round. Gigantes will play at home against Guaiqueries in Porlamar and it may be a tough game between close rivals. The game in Maracaibo was also worth to mention about. 5th ranked Guaiqueries (15-15) played at the court of seventh ranked Gaiteros (13-19). Gaiteros managed to secure a 9-point victory 114-105. American point guard Donald Sims (185-87, college: Appalachian St.) scored 38 points (!!!) and 7 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Jason Edwin chipped in 28 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was American center Christopher Jackson (208-81, college: N.Mexico St.) with 24 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Guaiqueries' coach Carlos Mercado rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Gaiteros maintains seventh position with 13-19 record. Guaiqueries at the other side keep the fifth place with 15 games lost. Gaiteros will play against Guaros (#8) in Barquisimeto in the next round. Guaiqueries will play on the road against Gigantes in Puerto Ordaz and it may be a tough game between close rivals. The game in La Guaira was also quite interesting. Second ranked Marinos (25-8) played at the court of 6th ranked Bucaneros (14-13). Marinos defeated Bucaneros 86-76 on Wednesday. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Bucaneros. Leon Rodgers notched 35 points (!!!) and 9 rebounds to lead the effort. Marinos' coach Jorge Arrieta used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Even 12 points and 9 rebounds by Calvin Warner did not help to save the game for Bucaneros. Marinos maintains second position with 25-8 record having just -1 point less than leader Cocodrilos. Loser Bucaneros keep the sixth place with 13 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

The game in Maracaibo was also worth to mention about. 5th ranked Guaiqueries (15-15) played at the court of seventh ranked Gaiteros (13-19). Gaiteros managed to secure a 9-point victory 114-105. Guaiqueries were ahead by 6 points after three quarters before a 37-22 charge of Gaiteros, which allowed them to win the game. They held Guaiqueries to an opponent 0.0 percent shooting from the field compared to 0.0 percent accuracy of the winners. Guaiqueries were plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. American point guard Donald Sims (185-87, college: Appalachian St.) scored 38 points (!!!) and 7 assists to lead the charge for the winners and U.S. Virgin Islands swingman Jason Edwin (197-81, college: Kent St.) chipped in 28 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was American center Christopher Jackson (208-81, college: N.Mexico St.) with 24 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists and the former international forward Hernan Salcedo (198-80) produced a double-double by scoring 22 points and 13 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Guaiqueries' coach Carlos Mercado rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Gaiteros maintains seventh position with 13-19 record. Guaiqueries at the other side keep the fifth place with 15 games lost. Gaiteros will play against Guaros (#8) in Barquisimeto in the next round. Guaiqueries will play on the road against Gigantes in Puerto Ordaz and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers:Guaiqueries: C.Jackson 24+9reb+4ast, H.Salcedo 22+13reb+2ast, R.Lugo 14+3reb, D.Adams 13+2reb+2ast, R.Washington 10+1reb+1ast, D.Chiquito 7+1reb+1astGaiteros: D.Sims 38+3reb+7ast, J.Edwin 28+7reb+3ast, T.Braggs 22+10reb+3ast, F.Centeno 15+9reb, J.Parra 5+3reb+1ast, M.Berroteran 3

An interesting game for Cocodrilos (25-7) which hosted in Caracas 3rd ranked Gigantes (17-11). First ranked Cocodrilos had an easy win 95-80. The game was mostly controlled by Cocodrilos. Gigantes managed to win third quarter 24-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Cocodrilos held Gigantes to an opponent 0.0 percent shooting from the field compared to 0.0 percent accuracy of the winners. Cocodrilos looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Cocodrilos made 10 blocks. It was a good game for international forward Nestor Colmenares (203-87, college: Campbellsville) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds. International power forward Windi Graterol (203-86) contributed with 13 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks for the winners. Five Cocodrilos players scored in double figures. International center Jose Juan Bravo (202-86) replied with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and American swingman Blake Walker (197-82, college: Portland St.) added 22 points in the effort for Gigantes. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Cocodrilos have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 25-7 record. Gigantes at the other side keep the third place with 11 games lost. Cocodrilos are looking forward to face Trotamundos (#4) in Valencia in the next round. Gigantes will play at home against Guaiqueries in Porlamar and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers:Gigantes: B.Walker 22+4reb+1ast, J.Juan Bravo 19+5reb+4ast, A.Feeley 9+4reb+2ast, P.Brito 8+5reb+1ast, E.Baez 5+2reb+3ast, P.Montano 5+5rebCocodrilos: K.Gransberry 14+3reb+1ast, N.Colmenares 14+10reb+2ast, W.Graterol 13+7reb+4ast, L.Bethelmy 12+5reb+3ast, C.Brown 12+2ast, C.Elliott 7+1reb+2ast

The game in La Guaira was also quite interesting. Second ranked Marinos (25-8) played at the court of 6th ranked Bucaneros (14-13). Marinos defeated Bucaneros 86-76 on Wednesday. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Bucaneros. Bucaneros were tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. Marinos held Bucaneros to an opponent 0.0 percent shooting from the field compared to 0.0 percent accuracy of the winners. American forward Leon Rodgers (199-80, college: N.Illinois) notched 35 points (!!!) and 9 rebounds to lead the effort and international forward Axiers Sucre (198-78) supported him with 16 points and 9 rebounds. Marinos' coach Jorge Arrieta used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Even 12 points and 9 rebounds by American forward Calvin Warner (201-80, college: Jacksonville) did not help to save the game for Bucaneros. His fellow American import forward Marcus Landry (201-85, college: Wisconsin) added 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks. Marinos maintains second position with 25-8 record having just -1 point less than leader Cocodrilos. Loser Bucaneros keep the sixth place with 13 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest. Top scorers:Bucaneros: R.Guevara 17+1reb+4ast, M.Landry 17+5reb+1ast, C.Warner 12+9reb+2ast, S.Henry 8+2reb+2ast, J.Rondon 7+1reb, C.Cedeno 7+3reb+2astMarinos: L.Rodgers 35+9reb+1ast, A.Sucre 16+9reb, R.Allen 10+13reb+1ast, J.Vargas 7+5reb+4ast, J.Hodge 6+3reb, G.Vargas 5+6reb+3ast

The game between closely ranked teams ended with eighth ranked Guaros' (12-18) road victory over 9th ranked Panteras (6-22) in Caracas 96-87 on Wednesday. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 27-24. But Panteras won second period 20-19. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Guaros held Panteras to an opponent 0.0 percent shooting from the field compared to 0.0 percent accuracy of the winners. American guard Hassan Adams (193-84, college: Arizona) notched 22 points and 7 rebounds to lead the effort and the former international point guard Heissler Guillent (186-86, agency: Paris Global Sports) supported him with 18 points. Four Guaros players scored in double figures. Even 17 points and 6 rebounds by American guard R.L. Horton (182-89, college: S.Mississippi) did not help to save the game for Panteras. The former international forward Eduardo Torres (195-81) added 19 points. Panteras' coach Guillermo Vecchio tested eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Guaros have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain eighth position with 12-18 record. Panteras lost eighth consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with 22 games lost. Guaros will meet at home higher ranked Gaiteros (#7) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Panteras will play against Toros in Maracay and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers:Panteras: E.Torres 19+3reb+1ast, R.Horton 17+6reb+1ast, M.Flores 14+1reb+3ast, H.Fuller 8+7reb+1ast, C.Oguchi 8, H.Diaz 6+1rebGuaros: H.Adams 22+7reb+1ast, H.Guillent 18+4reb+3ast, J.Millsap 16+2reb+1ast, D.Ananguren 15+6reb, R.Farias 7, P.Machado 5+1reb+1ast

gschID: 168468

Sims' 38-point game gives him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News

24-year old point guard Donald Sims (185-PG-87) put on an amazing game in the last round for Gaiteros and receives a Latinbasket.com Player of the Week award for round 30.He had the game-high 38 points adding three rebounds and seven assists for Gaiteros in his team's victory, helping them to beat Guaiqueries (#5, 15-15) 114-105. Gaiteros maintains the 7th position in Venezuelan league. Gaiteros is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 13-19 record. Sims just recently signed at Gaiteros, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Appalachian State University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Sims is in league's top in points (2nd best: 23.0ppg) and averages solid 2.6spg.

Second best performed player last round was Christopher Jackson (208-C-81) of Guaiqueries. He is American center in his first season at Guaiqueries. In the last game Jackson recorded impressive 24 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Bad luck as Guaiqueries lost that game 105-114 to slightly lower-ranked Gaiteros (#7, 13-19). Guaiqueries managed to keep the same 5th spot in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 15-15 record is not bad and everything may still change. Jackson is one of the most experienced players at Guaiqueries and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to another Guaiqueries' star - forward Hernan Salcedo (198-F-80). Salcedo scored 22 points and grabbed thirteen rebounds (!!!). Despite Salcedo's great performance Guaiqueries lost 105-114 to slightly lower-ranked Gaiteros (#7, 13-19). But his team cannot count on just these two top stars as they also need help of the other teammates. The last thing Guaiqueries needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams. Their record is 15 victories and 15 lost games. Salcedo has a very solid season. In 23 games in Venezuela he scored 10.7ppg.

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Bucaneros de La Guaira lands Landry - by Eurobasket Center

Bucaneros de La Guaira strengthened their roster with addition of 27-year old American forward Marcus Landry (201-F-104kg-85, college: Wisconsin). In his first game he scored 17 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Despite his good performance his new team lost to Marinos 76-86. Landry played most recently at Shanghai Dongfang Sharks (China). He is a very experienced player. Landry played also pro basketball in China, France, Puerto Rico and Spain. He graduated University of Wisconsin in 2009 and it will be his third season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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Women News

Bulleen's British import set for London - by Eurobasket News

Bulleen import Johannah Leedham (180-G/F-87, college: Franklin Pierce) could come face-to-face with her Boomers teammates after being named in Great Britains preliminary squad for the upcoming London games.

Enjoying a respectable first season in the WNBL, Leedham will be relied about to provide intelligence on a host of Jayco Opals stars, including Boomers teammates Liz Cambage, Rachel Jarry and Sam Richards.

Leedham was a solid contributor in Bulleens run to the WNBL Grand Final, averaging 9.6 points (per game), 2.3 steals and 4.8 rebounds in her 19 games.

The 24-year-old isnt the only Bulleen Boomer plotting against our womens stars, with Coach Tom Maher heading up the British campaign.

Maher told the Ellesmore Post Pioneer in England preparations for the GB squad were coming along well.

We have a good preparation period this year, with plenty of time for the girls to get settled in and gel as a team, Maher said.

I am confident with the players we are bringing into camp this year as we prepare for our biggest challenge to date.

Mandurah Magic will be looking to put a hugely disappointing start to the women's State Basketball League season behind them when they host South West Slammers to open round four.

The Magic have finished no lower than sixth in an impressive run of consecutive playoff appearances starting in 2004 but have lost their first three games of 2012 and will have to improve dramatically to make the top eight.

Mandurah, which lost just six games last year, will face a huge test against their southern rivals on Thursday night though as the Slammers are yet to lose this season.

The new look Bunbury side will already have won more games than in any of the past three seasons if it beats the Magic and Perth Redbacks on Saturday.

But the fourth placed Redbacks, whose only loss from their five games has come against league leaders Wanneroo, are sure to provide a big test for an under-strength South West team.

Reigning champions Willetton Tigers will be desperate to bounce back from their disappointing loss to the Wolves last week when they face winless local rivals Cockburn Cougars.

The Tigers also face Rockingham, which notched its first win for the season against Cockburn last week thanks to a dominant debut from import Emma Cannon.

East Perth also broke through for a desperately needed first win last week and will be hoping to back it up when it hosts Kalamunda on Saturday.

But there's also plenty on the line for the Eastern Suns, who are winless from three games and in danger of slipping out of the playoff race early.

Perry Lakes Hawks face a difficult task to end a two game losing skid as they host Wanneroo, which has won its five games so far by an average of nearly 15 points.

Stirling has also lost its last two matches and must overcome an impressive Lakeside team to get back into form, a tall order given the Lightning have won all three games to sit in second spot.

All games in round three will be played on Thursday or Saturday due to the Good Friday holiday.

Russian-Ukrainian center Aleksandra Khomenchuk (200-C-89) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Gorizont, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 7 (Second Stage).The 22-year old player had a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds, while her team crushed Minsk-2006 (#2, 4-3) with 22-point margin 66-44. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Gorizont maintains the 3rd position in Belarusian Premier League. Gorizont is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. But it was their 4th lost game this season out of 8 games. Khomenchuk turned to be Gorizont's top player in her first season with the team. Aleksandra Khomenchuk has solid league stats. She is in league's top in points (3rd best: 12.4ppg), rebounds (7th best: 7.4rpg) and averages impressive 61.8% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was young Hanna Kalenta (187-C-94) of Berezina. Kalenta had a very good evening with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists. Bad luck as Berezina lost that game 63-81 to the higher-ranked Olimpia (#1, 7-1). It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the title. Berezina still maintains its place in the top 4 of the standings, even despite this loss. 7 lost games are too many considering they did not win any game. Kalenta is one of the most experienced players at Berezina and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. She belongs to the best scorers in the league with 13.7ppg (#1). She also registered 7.4 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was Ukrainian forward Anna Pokoiova (188-F-87) of league's top team Olimpia. Pokoiova scored 16 points. She was a key player of Olimpia, leading her team to a 81-63 easy win against #4 ranked Berezina. Olimpia confirms their top position in the standings Pokoiova has a very solid season. In 13 games in Belarus she scored 9.1ppg.

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

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BOSNIA

Celik jumps to 5-0 in League Six - by Eurobasket News

Round Five of the Bosnian top division for women (League Six) is completed last night. Celik had no mercy for Sloboda beating them on the road with huge 48-95. Matea Tavic (178-G-92) scored 21 points for the winners and Rada Vidovic (177-G-79) followed her with 16 points. The hosts got 17 points and 11 rebounds from Dragana Stankovic (188-F-95). Celik stays alone on top of the standings with perfect 5-0 record, while Sloboda dropped to 2-2. Also last night, Mladi Krajisnik was better than Zeljeznicar 89-69 for 4-1 record in the league. Milica Deura (178-G-90) was a key player for the hosts with 26 points. Jelena Culafic (175-G-89) had 21 points in defeat. Her Zeljeznicar has 2-3 score now.In the opening game of Round Five, Rudar outplayed Jedinstvo 78-72 for the first win in League Six. Visitors fell to 0-4. Round Six is scheduled for the next weekend.

Americana advanced into LBF Finals. They shot down Santo Andre in the decisive third game of the semifinal series. The game was mostly controlled by Americana. Santo Andre managed to win second period 16-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Americana forced 20 Santo Andre turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists comparing to just 14 passes made by Santo Andre's players. It was a great evening for the former international center Clarissa Dos Santos (184-88) who led her team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds. International guard Babi Generoso (180-85) helped adding 5 points and 14 assists. The best for the losing side was swingman Ariadna Felipe (179-83) with 22 points and 8 rebounds and the former international center Ega Garvao (185-77, agency: Josep and Nicolas) scored 8 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Top scorers:Americana: C.Dos Santos 22+10reb+1ast, K.Martins 15+3reb+3ast, T.Carcavalli 11+4reb+3ast, C.Felippus 9+6reb+4ast, K.Gustavo 7+3reb+2ast, M.Dantas 6+3rebSanto Andre: A.Felipe 22+8reb+1ast, K.Cavallaro 12+3reb+4ast, E.Garvao 8+6reb+5ast, J.Silvestre 8+2reb+1ast, S.Lima 5+7reb, M.Martins 4+5reb+3ast

Playoff Semifinals: Binnenland and ProBuild Lions take 1-0 lead - by Eurobasket News

First Semifinals games were played last night. Binnenland and ProBuild Lions hosted their rivals and managed to beat them taking 1-0 lead in the series. The format is best-of-five and second games are scheduled for Saturday. Teams will meet again on Monday/Tuesday.

A1 Quarterfinals: First games (best-of-three), no mercy for guests - by Eurobasket News

Comense - Faenza 73-53 (1-0)The game without a history. Comense led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. New Zealand forward Jillian Harmon (185-F-87, college: Stanford) (185-87, college: Stanford) nailed a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds for the winning side and American power forward Brooke Smith (191-84, college: Stanford, agency: LBM Management) accounted for 12 points and 12 rebounds. Four Comense players scored in double figures. Comense's coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. The former international guard Paola Mauriello (185-81) came up with 21 points and 7 rebounds and Serbian guard Marija Eric (164-83) added 12 points respectively for CA Faenza in the defeat. Second games will be played on April 11.Top scorers:Comense: C.Hicks 14+5reb+3ast, J.Harmon 14+10reb+3ast, L.Spreafico 12+3reb, B.Smith 12+12reb, M.Maiorano 8, G.Gatti 7+2rebFaenza: P.Mauriello 21+7reb+1ast, M.Eric 12+1reb+1ast, B.Sciacca 6, L.Santucci 5+4reb, D.Liles 4+3reb, M.Filippi 3+2reb

gschID: 172091

Lucca - Umbertide 61-37 (1-0)The game without a history. Lucca led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Umbertide to just 6 points in fourth quarter and to 13 points in second half. Lucca held Umbertide to an opponent 24.0 percent shooting from the field compared to 42.9 percent accuracy of the winners. American power forward Courtney Willis (188-82, college: E.Carolina, agency: LBM Management) nailed a double-double by scoring 10 points and 13 rebounds for the winning side and Portuguese forward Mery Andrade (181-75, college: ODU) accounted for 12 points and 8 rebounds. Four Lucca players scored in double figures. The former international guard Francesca Zara (177-76, agency: Players Group) came up with 10 points and American power forward Tiffany Stansbury (191-83, college: N.Carolina St.) added 9 points respectively for Umbertide in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Top scorers:Lucca: M.Ruzickova 16+4reb, M.Andrade 12+8reb+2ast, B.Bagnara 11+2reb+2ast, C.Willis 10+13reb+1ast, L.Corradini 9+4reb+2ast, S.Hampton 3+2rebUmbertide: F.Zara 10+3reb, T.Stansbury 9+2reb, F.Modica 5+1reb, N.Martinez 4+4reb, N.Ohlde 4+5reb, S.Cinili 3+6reb

gschID: 172092

Taranto - Bracco Geas 73-58 (1-0)It looked good early as Bracco Geas took an 1-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Taranto had a 16-13 second period charge getting the lead and Bracco Geas were not able to take back game control losing it eventually 58-73. Taranto dominated on the defensive end, holding Bracco Geas to just 4 points in third quarter. They also forced 24 Bracco Geas turnovers. American center Kia Vaughn (193-87, college: Rutgers) nailed 20 points and 8 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) for the winning side and French center Elodie Godin (190-85) accounted for 8 points and 9 rebounds. Taranto's coach Roberto Ricchini allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. The former international guard Ilaria Zanoni (180-86) came up with 16 points and international swingman Martina Crippa (175-88) added 12 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Bracco Geas in the defeat. Top scorers:Taranto: K.Vaughn 20+8reb, M.Mahoney 13+2ast, G.Sottana 11+5ast, M.Greco 8+4reb+3ast, E.Godin 8+9reb+2ast, S.Ballardini 7+4reb+1astBracco Geas: I.Zanoni 16+3reb, M.Crippa 12+6reb+1ast, L.Summerton 9+1reb+1ast, I.Mihailova 7+4reb, G.Arturi 4+1ast, K.Haynie 4+5reb+1ast

Play-Out

Pozzuoli - Alcamo 81-69 (1-0)The game was mostly controlled by Pall.Pozzuoli. Alcamo was better in second period 19-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 18-of-20 charity shots (90.0 percent) during the game. Pall.Pozzuoli forced 21 Alcamo turnovers. Strangely Alcamo outrebounded Pall.Pozzuoli 49-31 including a 16-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. Naturalized American guard Angela Zampella (170-78, college: St.Joseph's) nailed 17 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side and Serbian center Daliborka Vilipic (196-75) accounted for 9 points and 9 rebounds. Jamaican power forward Vanessa Gidden (193-85, college: Hofstra) came up with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 17 rebounds and Romanian forward Simina Mandache (185-81) added 16 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Alcamo in the defeat. Top scorers:Pozzuoli: A.Zampella 17+5reb+1ast, K.Mazzante 12+5reb+1ast, C.Ward 12+3reb+1ast, D.Adams 11, M.Micovic 9+4reb, D.Vilipic 9+9rebAlcamo: V.Gidden 17+17reb, S.Mandache 16+6reb, A.Caliendo 11+1reb+4ast, C.Gattini 10+2reb, M.Fassina 7+5reb, N.Michael 6+15reb

gschID: 172093

Priolo - Cagliari CUS 83-82 OT (1-0)The hosts trailed by 8 points after three quarters before their 16-8 charge, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time and get a 1-point victory in overtime. Priolo made 18-of-23 free shots (78.3 percent) during the game. They also forced 20 Cagliari CUS turnovers. 24 personal fouls committed by Cagliari CUS helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American center Katryna Gaither (191-75) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 12 rebounds for the winners and point guard Elena Bestagno (180-91, agency: Two Points) chipped in 22 points and 6 rebounds. Priolo's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the losing side American guard Latara Darrett (178-88, college: Prairie View A&M) responded with 17 points and 9 rebounds and guard Cinzia Arioli (178-84) scored 22 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Top scorers:Priolo: E.Bestagno 22+6reb+2ast, K.Gaither 19+12reb, T.Cirov 16+8reb+1ast, T.Seino 13+9reb+1ast, I.Milazzo 7+2reb+3ast, S.Bonfiglio 2+1reb+1astCagliari CUS: C.Arioli 22+2reb+2ast, L.Darrett 17+9reb+1ast, J.Plumley 16+3reb+2ast, F.Brunetti 12+9reb+1ast, B.Fabianova 5, N.Wabara 4+5reb+1ast

gschID: 172094

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KAZAKHSTAN

Astana Tigers advance into Finals - by Eurobasket News

Astana Tigers became the first D1 finalists. They swept their semifinal series against BK Almaty. The Tigers claimed the decisive third win on the road yesterday. Elena Hustnitdinova (172-G-85) came up with 26 points to lead the visitors to an 87:80 win. BK Almaty marked their ambitions early in the game. The hosts dominated the opening quarter to post a 27:14 lead ten minutes into the game. BK Almaty maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They recorded a 47:33 halftime lead. But Astana recovered after the big break. The regular season champions erupted for 31 points in the third term to cut the deficit to 3 points. Astana went on a 23:13 run in the final period to seal the victory. Kiseleva knocked down points, while Anastassiya Alishauskaite (170-G-88) added 14 in the win. Stanislava Fedotova (175-G-87) responded with game-high 31 points and 8 rebounds for BK Almaty. Aina Gokova and Julia Udarceva (175-F-90) had 12 points each in the loss.

In the meantime Okzhetpes stayed alive in the series against Irtysh claiming a 74:70 win at home court.